What do the letters ism mean?

The letters "ism" in a word don't have a specific meaning on their own. They are a suffix, meaning they are added to the end of a word to change its meaning.

"Ism" often indicates:

* A doctrine, belief, or system: Like capitalism, communism, or socialism.

* A characteristic or way of life: Like nationalism, feminism, or hedonism.

* A state of being or condition: Like heroism, realism, or cynicism.

It's important to note that the meaning of "ism" can vary slightly depending on the specific word it's attached to.