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

Derived Forms

• ˌscioˈlistic, adjective
• ˈsciolist, noun

Other Words From

• scio·list noun
• scio·listic 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

There are many positions in life wherein Sciolism seems to be more profitable than knowledge.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Such an age of sciolism and scholasticism may possibly once more get the better of the literary world.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• illiteracy
• nescience