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English

aristotelianism

|a-ris-to-te-li-an-ism|

C2

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/əˌrɪstəˈtɛliənɪzəm/

🇬🇧

/ˌærɪstəˈtɛliənɪz(ə)m/

the doctrines of Aristotle

Etymology
Etymology Information

'aristotelianism' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from 'Aristotelian' + the suffix '-ism', where 'Aristotelian' relates to the name 'Aristotle' (from Greek 'Aristotélēs') meaning 'relating to Aristotle' and '-ism' indicates a system, doctrine, or practice.

Historical Evolution

'aristotelianism' developed in English as a noun describing the doctrines associated with Aristotle. The adjective 'Aristotelian' comes from the proper name 'Aristotle', which entered English via Latin 'Aristoteles' from Greek 'Aristotélēs' (from 'aristos' "best" + 'telos' "end, purpose"). Over time the formation 'Aristotelian' combined with '-ism' produced 'aristotelianism' to denote the philosophical system.

Meaning Changes

Initially it referred specifically to the doctrines and teachings of Aristotle; over time it has also come to denote broader methodological or doctrinal tendencies inspired by Aristotle in later thinkers and traditions.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the system of philosophy developed by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, especially as a comprehensive doctrine covering logic, metaphysics, ethics, natural science, and politics.

She wrote her dissertation on Aristotelianism and its influence on medieval scholasticism.

Synonyms

Aristotle's philosophyAristotelian doctrinePeripateticism

Antonyms

Platonismmodernism (in some contexts)

Noun 2

adherence to or advocacy of doctrines, methods, or approaches derived from Aristotle.

In the debate he defended an Aristotelianism that emphasized teleology in biology.

Synonyms

Antonyms

anti-AristotelianismPlatonic approach

Last updated: 2025/10/15 02:26