essentialism

noun

es·​sen·​tial·​ism i-ˈsen(t)-shə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: an educational theory that ideas and skills basic to a culture should be taught to all alike by time-tested methods compare progressivism

2

: a philosophical theory ascribing ultimate reality to essence embodied in a thing perceptible to the senses compare nominalism

3

: the practice of regarding something (such as a presumed human trait) as having innate existence or universal validity rather than as being a social, ideological, or intellectual construct

essentialist

i-ˈsen(t)-shə-list 

adjective or noun

Examples of essentialism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But Lewis, who is probably best known for her part in bringing British-style trans-exclusionary feminism to the United States, is not averse to a little high-T essentialism herself. —S. C. Cornell, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

McKeown uses clear examples, research, and principles to demonstrate precisely how essentialism makes a difference in the workplace. —Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

The concept of essentialism offers a solution to help leaders cut through the noise, regain their focus, and protect their time from unnecessary distractions. —Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Donna Haraway – Challenges essentialism, advocating for hybridity and interconnectedness. —Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for essentialism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism