What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ism
Example
Existentialism is a philosophical ism that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. [ism: suffix]
Example
The Romanticism ism in literature emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism. [ism: suffix]
philosophy
Example
Plato's philosophy emphasizes the existence of an objective reality beyond the physical world. [philosophy: noun]
Example
Studying philosophy can help us develop critical thinking skills and better understand the world around us. [philosophy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Philosophy is more commonly used than ism in everyday language. Philosophy is a well-established academic discipline that has been studied for centuries, while ism is a more recent term that is often used to describe particular movements or trends.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ism and philosophy?
Philosophy is generally seen as a more formal term than ism. While philosophy is often used in academic or intellectual contexts, ism can be used in a wider range of contexts, including politics, art, and culture.
