Militancy:
* Militant: "Disposed or engaged in warfare or military activity; aggressively active in the pursuit of a cause."
* -ancy: This suffix denotes a state or quality, so "militancy" would imply the state of being militant, characterized by aggressive activity for a cause.
Extremism:
* Extreme: "Very great in degree, amount, or intensity."
* -ism: This suffix typically denotes a doctrine, ideology, or system.
Therefore, based on these individual definitions, we can understand "militancy" as the quality of being aggressively active for a cause, often with a focus on force or violence. "Extremism" refers to the belief or practice of extreme views or actions, often considered outside of the mainstream or acceptable norms.
Important Note: The Oxford English Dictionary doesn't explicitly address the often-associated negative connotations of these terms. The definitions provided focus on the literal meanings of the words. In modern usage, "militancy" and "extremism" often carry negative connotations, implying violence, radicalism, and disregard for established norms.
If you are interested in exploring these terms further, consider looking at:
* Dictionary definitions of related terms: Search for definitions of "terrorism," "radicalism," "fanaticism," etc.
* Academic journals and articles: Research on political science, sociology, and related fields often delve into the complexities of militancy and extremism.
* News articles and reports: Current events often highlight specific instances of militancy and extremism, providing context for their use.