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sciolism

American  
[sahy-uh-liz-uhm] / ˈsaɪ əˌlɪz əm /

noun

  1. superficial knowledge.


sciolism British  
/ ˈsaɪəˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of sciolism

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Positive philosophy," with complacent sciolism, may still coldly asseverate that the world is a dead congeries of "laws," into whose realm man is cast to take pot-luck in the universe; but we shall know better.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 16, No. 95, September 1865 by Various

And the husks of culture are pedantry and sciolism.

From Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great Philosophers, Volume 8 by Hubbard, Elbert

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 The Romance of Natural History, Second Series by Gosse, Philip Henry

This is a point on which the ancients, I am aware, in their light-hearted sciolism laid great stress.

From A Modern Symposium by Dickinson, G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes)

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 Letters of Lord Acton To Mary, Daughter of the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron