asiaticism
|a-zi-at-i-cism|
/ˌeɪziəˈtɪsɪzəm/
Asian characteristic / style
Etymology
'asiaticism' originates from Modern English, formed from 'Asiatic' + the suffix '-ism', where 'Asiatic' derives from Latin 'Asiaticus' and Greek 'Asiatikos' meaning 'of Asia', and the suffix '-ism' comes from Greek '-ismos' meaning 'practice, system, or characteristic'.
'Asiatic' came from Greek 'Asiatikos' → Latin 'Asiaticus' → Old/Modern English 'Asiatic'; English later formed 'asiaticism' by adding '-ism' to denote a characteristic, practice, or style associated with Asia.
Initially it indicated something 'of or relating to Asia' (geographical/ethnic). Over time it has been used to mean a characteristic, expression, or stylistic tendency associated with Asian languages or the 'Asiatic' rhetorical style; it can also carry evaluative or pejorative connotations in rhetorical and critical contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a word, expression, construction, or other linguistic feature characteristic of Asian languages or dialects; an Asian linguistic trait.
The translator's use of that word was criticized as an asiaticism.
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Noun 2
a manner or style associated with the Asiatic school in ancient rhetoric — often implying a florid, ornate, or elaborate rhetorical style contrasted with Attic (concise, restrained) style.
Scholars debated whether the passage showed asiaticism or atticism.
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Last updated: 2025/10/28 21:04