binarism

noun

bi·​na·​rism ˈbī-nə-ˌriz-əm How to pronounce binarism (audio)
: a mode of thought predicated on seemingly stable oppositions (such as good and evil or male and female) that is seen in post-structuralist analysis as an inadequate approach to areas of difference
also : a specific dichotomy subscribed to or reinforced in such thought
the binarism of West and East

Examples of binarism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The School of the Art Institute (230 S. Columbus) hosts a discussion with Vaid-Menon about their eclectic style, political comedy, and gender binarism. Rachel Yang, Chicago Reader, 12 Mar. 2018 In short, gender is ever-present in language, leading to a very high awareness of gender binarism. Madhvi Ramani, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2018 But that analysis ignores the wild cards of Opress and Asajj Ventress, who also partake in that throwdown and complicate the good-bad binarism for The Clone Wars’ possibly final fifth season, arriving this fall. Scott Thill, WIRED, 15 Mar. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'binarism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French binarisme

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of binarism was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near binarism

Cite this Entry

“Binarism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binarism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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