What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ism
Example
The political party was founded on the principles of socialism. [ism: suffix]
Example
The Romanticism movement emphasized emotion and individualism in art and literature. [ism: suffix]
Example
The punk subculture is known for its anti-establishmentism and DIY ethos. [ism: suffix]
movement
Example
The civil rights movement fought for racial equality and justice. [movement: noun]
Example
The feminist movement aimed to achieve gender equality and empower women. [movement: noun]
Example
His movements were slow and deliberate as he practiced Tai Chi. [movements: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Movement is more commonly used than ism in everyday language. Movement is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ism is more specific and often used in academic or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ism and movement?
Both ism and movement can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the context and tone of the conversation or writing.
