sciolism

1 of 2

noun (1)

sci·​o·​lism ˈsī-ə-ˌli-zəm 

: a superficial show of learning

sciolist

ˈsī-ə-list 

noun

sciolistic

ˌsī-ə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

sciolist

2 of 2

noun (2)

sci·​o·​list -lə̇st 

plural -s

: one whose knowledge or learning is superficial : a pretender to scholarship

Did you know?

Sciolism comes from the Late Latin sciolus, which means "smatterer" (or "one who speaks with spotty or superficial knowledge"). "Sciolus" comes from the diminutive of Latin scius, meaning "knowing," which itself comes from the verb scire, meaning "to know." Of course, if you know something about Latin roots, you know that "scire" is the source of many other English words, including "science," "prescience" ("foreknowledge"), "nescience" ("lack of knowledge"), and "conscience."

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Late Latin sciolus "smatterer, pretender to knowledge" (Latin scius "possessing knowledge, expert," derivative of scīre "to know" —perhaps as back-formation from nescius "ignorant"— + -olus, diminutive suffix, here with depreciative value) + -ism — more at science

Noun (2)

Late Latin sciolus + English -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1816, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1612, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sciolism

• ism
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism

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