Spiritualism
|spir-i-tu-al-ism|
🇺🇸
/ˈspɪrɪtʃuəlɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəlɪz(ə)m/
communication or belief in spirits
Etymology
'spiritualism' originates from French, specifically the word 'spiritualisme', where the root 'spirit' comes from Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'breath; spirit', and the suffix '-ism' denotes a doctrine or system.
'spiritualism' was adopted into English in the mid-19th century from French 'spiritualisme' (itself formed from 'spiritual' + the suffix '-isme'), becoming the English noun 'spiritualism' used to describe the movement and doctrine.
Initially, it meant 'the doctrine or practice of communication with spirits'; over time it has largely retained that sense but can also be used more broadly to mean an emphasis on spiritual rather than material concerns.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the belief or doctrine that spirits of the dead can communicate with the living, especially through mediums or séances.
She began investigating spiritualism after attending a séance where messages seemed to come from the dead.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a religious and social movement (particularly prominent in the 19th century) based on belief in spirit communication and related practices.
The rise of spiritualism in the 1800s influenced literature, reform movements, and popular culture.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 3
(less commonly) A tendency to emphasize the spiritual or nonmaterial aspects of life rather than the material.
His writings show a clear spiritualism that values inner experience over material success.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/23 17:12