Darwinism

[dahr-wuh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. the Darwinian theory that species originate by descent, with variation, from parent forms, through the natural selection of those individuals best adapted for the reproductive success of their kind.

Darwinism

/ ˈdɑːwɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selection Compare Lamarckism See also Neo-Darwinism

Darwinism

1. 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.

2. See Note at evolution

Other Word Forms

• Darwinistic adjective
• Darwinist noun
• Darwinite noun
• anti-Darwinism noun
• anti-Darwinist noun
• pro-Darwinism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Darwinism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Darwin + -ism

Example Sentences

Social Darwinism was a bad idea in the 1900s.

From Salon

It's also the height of social Darwinism and the pseudoscience of race.

From Salon

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

The Dodgers are essentially facing a sort of baseball Darwinism the rest of the season — with a bloated roster likely to be trimmed down the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

They posit that the full meaning of Darwinism and how this meaning has changed over time can only be understood through the interaction between these dimensions.

From Science Daily