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What is the suffix -ism meaning?

The suffix "-ism" is a very common one in English, and its meaning is a bit flexible. It generally indicates:

1. A doctrine, belief, or system of thought:

* Capitalism: An economic system based on private ownership.

* Buddhism: A religion based on the teachings of Buddha.

* Idealism: A philosophical belief in the importance of ideas and values.

2. A characteristic, manner, or style:

* Heroism: The quality of being heroic.

* Chauvinism: Excessive patriotism.

* Modernism: A style of art, literature, or architecture reflecting modern ideas and trends.

3. A practice or activity:

* Tourism: The activity of traveling for pleasure.

* Journalism: The activity of gathering and reporting news.

* Sportsmanship: The ethical behavior of athletes.

4. An addiction or compulsion:

* Alcoholism: Addiction to alcohol.

* Kleptomania: An uncontrollable urge to steal.

It's important to note that:

* "-ism" can sometimes have a negative connotation, implying a rigid or dogmatic system of belief. For example, "racism" and "sexism."

* The meaning of "-ism" can be nuanced and specific to the word it is attached to.

Overall, "-ism" is a versatile suffix that can express a wide range of ideas and concepts.

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