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
In modern English, "idiotism" is the same as "idiom."
From History of the Plague in London by Defoe, Daniel
That which would be considered as an evidence of idiotism or insanity in the last instance, is defended and practised in the former.
From The Maternal Management of Children, in Health and Disease by Bull, Thomas
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
He did not perceive, that the regal power, in a few generations, introduces idiotism into the noble stem, and holds out baits to render thousands idle and vicious.
From Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Wollstonecraft, Mary
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.
