idiotism
1 Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of idiotism1
First recorded in 1585–95; idiot + -ism
Origin of idiotism2
1580–90; < Latin idiōtismus < Greek idiōtismós a vulgar phrase, peculiar way of speaking
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.
We have become so used to the thought that any higher literacy is in retreat before the forces of electronic media and consumer idiotism, that perhaps to imagine the opposite has become impossible.
From The Guardian ● Feb. 25, 2011
It is not ordinary insanity I so much apprehend, but something worse—absolute idiotism!
From Abbotsford and Newstead Abbey by Irving, Washington
The expressions are in the preter tense, and it would be downright idiotism to say that a man could prophecy in the preter tense.
From Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 4 (1794-1796): the Age of Reason by Conway, Moncure Daniel
Scotchman,—"I cannot forgive Dr. Johnson for calling Goldsmith an inspired idiot; I confess I see no idiotism, but much inspiration, in his works."
From Tales and Novels — Volume 04 by Edgeworth, Maria
The scene which commenced by unfeeling idiotism closed with paltry hypocrisy.
From The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford — Volume 1 by Cunningham, Peter
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.
