Darwinism
Americannoun
noun
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A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. Darwin's ideas have been refined and modified by subsequent researchers, but his theories still form the foundation of the scientific understanding of the evolution of life. Darwinism is often contrasted with another theory of biological evolution called Lamarckism, based on the now-discredited ideas of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
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See Note at evolution
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Origin of Darwinism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Darwinism then gave the model a scientific flavor.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Neo-Malthusian refers to the concepts of economist Thomas Malthus, who argued against human overpopulation in the 18th century; social Darwinism is a misapplication of biologist Charles Darwin’s evolutionary theory to validate conservative social hierarchies.
From Salon • Dec. 2, 2024
The authors propose a unified account of these varieties of Darwinism.
From Science Daily • May 28, 2024
Does anyone even remember he trashed Darwinism in his last published book, 2015’s “Kingdom of Speech”?
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2023
In Darryl’s case, he had written a paper on the novel Deliverance and social Darwinism, the kind of thing a high school boy would grasp on to.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
