Darwinism

[ dahr-wuh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. the Darwinian theory that species originate by descent, with variation, from parent forms, through the natural selection of those individuals best adapted for the reproductive success of their kind.

Darwinism

/ ˈdɑːwɪˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the theory of the origin of animal and plant species by evolution through a process of natural selection Compare Lamarckism See also Neo-Darwinism

Darwinism

/ där′wĭ-nĭz′əm /

1. A theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. Darwin's ideas have been refined and modified by subsequent researchers, but his theories still form the foundation of the scientific understanding of the evolution of life. Darwinism is often contrasted with another theory of biological evolution called Lamarckism, based on the now-discredited ideas of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck.
2. See Note at evolution

Derived Forms

• ˌDarwinˈistic, adjective
• ˈDarwinist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• Darwin·ist Dar·win·ite [dahr, -w, uh, -nahyt], noun adjective
• Darwin·istic adjective
• anti-Darwin·ism noun
• anti-Darwin·ist noun adjective
• pro-Darwin·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Darwinism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; Darwin + -ism

Example Sentences

The scientific consensus around Darwinism was representative of larger cultural trends that worried conservatives.

From Time

Steeped in social Darwinism, Mellon viewed the acquisition of wealth as a mark of merit and poverty as a failure of character.

From ProPublica

A prediction for the date of the president's ouster, a lawsuit against Darwinism and other terrific ideas from America's fringe.

From The Daily Beast

But in our past there has been another term for it - Social Darwinism, every man and woman for him or herself.

From The Daily Beast

Our Constitution, Holmes famously wrote, does not enact social Darwinism.

From The Daily Beast

He is a not just a grinning creationist, he is also willing to disdain Darwinism with a sinister pugnacity.

From The Daily Beast

At a time when Darwinism was bringing a sword into the intellectual world, he lived apparently uninterested and untouched by it.

From Project Gutenberg

Only the other day I read in my newspaper the triumphant proclamation of some clergyman that "Darwinism" had been overthrown.

From Project Gutenberg

Among these are several on anthropology, on political economy, and even on Darwinism.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the speakers, a clergyman, said that Darwinism and infidelity were responsible for criminal driving.

From Project Gutenberg

He thinks that if he can prove that the evolutionists kill people, he will have disproved Darwinism.

From Project Gutenberg