nominalism

noun

nom·i·nal·ism | \ ˈnä-mə-nə-ˌli-zəm

How to pronounce nominalism (audio)

, ˈnäm-nə-ˌli-zəm\

Definition of nominalism

1 : a theory that there are no universal essences in reality and that the mind can frame no single concept or image corresponding to any universal or general term

2 : the theory that only individuals and no abstract entities (such as essences, classes, or propositions) exist — compare essentialism, realism

Other Words from nominalism

nominalist \ ˈnä-mə-nə-list

, ˈnäm-nə-list \ noun

nominalist or nominalistic \ ˌnä-mə-nə-ˈli-stik

, ˌnäm-nə-ˈli- \ adjective

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Dictionary Entries near nominalism

nominal account

nominal definition

nominal essence

nominal partner

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The first known use of nominalism was in 1830

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