A distinctive practice, system, or philosophy, typically forming the basis of an ideology or movement. Often used to describe belief systems, doctrines, or practices with specific characteristics.
From Greek suffix '-ismos' indicating action, state, or doctrine, which passed through Latin '-ismus' into English. Originally just a suffix, it became a standalone word in the 17th century to refer generically to any doctrine or practice characterized by adherence to distinctive principles.
The suffix '-ism' is incredibly productive in English - we can attach it to almost any word to create a system of belief or practice, from 'capitalism' to 'vegetarianism' to newly coined terms like 'workism'. Some linguists count over 1,000 '-ism' words in English, making it one of our most versatile word-forming tools for describing human behavior and beliefs.
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