sciolism

[ sahy-uh-liz-uhm ]

noun

1. superficial knowledge.

sciolism

/ ˈsaɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. rare.
   the practice of opinionating on subjects of which one has only superficial knowledge

Derived Forms

• ˌscioˈlistic, adjective
• ˈsciolist, noun

Other Words From

• scio·list noun
• scio·listic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciolism¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from Late Latin sciol(us) “one who knows little,” (diminutive of scius “knowing”; conscious, -ole ¹ ) + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of sciolism¹

C19: from Late Latin sciolus someone with a smattering of knowledge, from Latin scīre to know

Example Sentences

Sometimes, without a moment's warning, he would utter a paradox which from any one else might have seemed the mere recklessness of sciolism, but which, coming from him, was treasured in the memory.

From Project Gutenberg

Few things are as distressing as the sciolism of a second-rate English editor of a classic.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile, the genius of the Florentine people was saving Italian literature from the extreme consequences to which caricatures of this kind, inspired by humanistic pedantry and sciolism, exposed it.

From Project Gutenberg

This is scholarship; the secondary information that has been popular is sciolism.

From Project Gutenberg

The pages of this periodical form an invaluable storehouse to the philosophic naturalist, who wishes to pursue his science undeterred by the ridicule of sciolism or the frown of authority.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• illiteracy
• nescience