possibilism en · NOUN
Etymology
Borrowed from French possibilisme. By surface analysis, Latin possibil|is, ~e (“that can be done”) + -ism, from Latin po|ssum, ~(te)sse, ~tuī (“be able”) + -ibil|is, ~e (“-able”). First attested in 1883.
Meanings
- (countable, uncountable) The belief that possible things exist, as well as actual things.
- (countable, uncountable) The theory that the geographical environment sets certain constraints, but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions.
-
(countable, uncountable) An approach that pragmatically focuses on achievable goals rather than impossible ideals.
Aim at a standard of adequacy (possibilism) rather than at a standard of perfection (utopianism).
1970, The Journal of the College & University Personnel Association:
- (countable, derogatory, sometimes, uncountable) Any of various socialist reform movements.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| possibilisms | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Antonyms
Deriveds
Translations (4)
pl posybilizm (the belief that possible things exist) · fr possibilisme (the belief that possible things exist) · el πιθανισμός (the belief that possible things exist) · it possibilismo (the belief that possible things exist)