How Does A Suffix Change The Meaning Of A Word

What is an –ism? Posted by on Feb 19, 2012 in English language Grammer, English Language

–ism is a suffix added to the end of a discussion to indicate that the word represents a specific practice, organisation, or philosophy. Often these practices, systems, or philosophies are political ideologies or artistic movements. Using –ism at the stop of a word too suggests the word is related to a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as an dominance past a group or school of thought. The suffix –ism is e'er added to the terminate of a noun and a discussion with a –ism suffix is also always a noun. I am sure y'all take seen the suffix –ism on the end of many words in the past. Below I have highlighted some common –ism words and given the definitions of these words.

Activism – The activity of using vigorous campaigning to bring nearly political or social modify.
Ageism – Prejudice or discrimination on the basis of a person's age.
Alcoholism – An addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from booze dependency.
Commercialism – An economic and political system in which trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.
Dualism – A theory or system of idea that regards a domain of reality in terms of two independent principles, for example: mind and matter.
Environmentalism – The philosophical belief that the surroundings is more important than heredity in determining growth and development.
Fatalism – The conventionalities that all events in life are predetermined and inevitable.
Globalism – Globalism tin have at least two different and opposing meanings. One meaning is the attitude or policy of placing the interests of the entire world above those of individual nations. The other significant is viewing the unabridged world as a place for one nation to project its political influence.
Hedonism – The upstanding theory that pleasure is the highest good and proper aim of human life.
Individualism – The habit or principle of being independent and self-reliant.
Materialism – A tendency to consider material possessions and concrete condolement equally more of import than other values.
Realism – The attitude or practice of accepting a state of affairs every bit it is and existence prepared to deal with information technology as information technology is.
Sexism – Prejudice, stereotyping, or bigotry on the basis of a person's sex or gender.
Vegetarianism – A diet that philosophically excludes all meat and fish from being eaten.

Can yous recall of any other –ism words? Or practice you have a question virtually a word ending in –ism that you lot accept seen before? If so, please leave a comment on this mail.

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About the Author: Gabriele

Hi there! I am i of Transparent Linguistic communication's ESL bloggers. I am a 32-year-former native English speaker who was born and raised in the United States. I am living in Washington, DC now, but I have lived all over the Us and likewise spent many years living and working abroad. I started teaching English equally a second language in 2005 after completing a Main'due south in Applied Linguists and a Certificate in English Teaching to Adults' (CELTA). Since that time I take taught ESL in the United States at the community higher and academy level. I take also gone on to pursue my doctorate in psychology and at present I also teach courses in psychology. I similar to stay connected to ESL learners effectually the earth through Transparent Languages ESL Blog. Please inquire questions and leave comments on the blog and I will be certain to answer them.