sciolism

[sahy-uh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. superficial knowledge.

sciolism

/ ˈsaɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. rare,  the practice of opinionating on subjects of which one has only superficial knowledge

Other Word Forms

• sciolist noun
• sciolistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciolism¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from Late Latin sciol(us) “one who knows little,” (diminutive of scius “knowing”; conscious, -ole ¹ ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciolism¹

C19: from Late Latin sciolus someone with a smattering of knowledge, from Latin scīre to know

Example Sentences

Sometimes, without a moment's warning, he would utter a paradox which from any one else might have seemed the mere recklessness of sciolism, but which, coming from him, was treasured in the memory.

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Few things are as distressing as the sciolism of a second-rate English editor of a classic.

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Meanwhile, the genius of the Florentine people was saving Italian literature from the extreme consequences to which caricatures of this kind, inspired by humanistic pedantry and sciolism, exposed it.

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This is scholarship; the secondary information that has been popular is sciolism.

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The pages of this periodical form an invaluable storehouse to the philosophic naturalist, who wishes to pursue his science undeterred by the ridicule of sciolism or the frown of authority.

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Related Words

• illiteracy 
• nescience