What does "atavism" mean?
The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence; a throwback.
Atavism
/ˈætəˌvɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence; a throwback.
- Grammar: atavism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: reversion, aboriginality, affect memory, age.
- Useful contrasts: advancement, innovation, modernization.
- Usage evidence: He was a magnificent atavism, a man so purely primitive that he was of the type that came into the world before the development of the moral nature. He was not immoral, but merely unmoral.
How to use "atavism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "atavism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "atavism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "atavism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "atavism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "atavism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "reversion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The reappearance of an ancestral characteristic in an organism after several generations of absence; a throwback. countable, uncountable
"He was a magnificent atavism, a man so purely primitive that he was of the type that came into the world before the development of the moral nature. He was not immoral, but merely unmoral."
- 2 a reappearance of an earlier characteristic wordnet
- 3 The recurrence or reversion to a past behaviour, method, characteristic or style after a long period of absence. countable, uncountable
"She had lost the power to care about his faults. Strange, sweet, poisonous indifference! She was drugged. And she knew it. Would she ever wake out of her dark, warm coma? She shuddered, and hoped not. Mrs Tuke would say atavism. Atavism! The word recurred curiously."
- 4 Reversion to past primitive behavior, especially violence. countable, uncountable
"I have even read in a book of criminology that the tramp is an atavism, a throw-back to the nomadic stage of humanity."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"He was a magnificent atavism, a man so purely primitive that he was of the type that came into the world before the development of the moral nature. He was not immoral, but merely unmoral."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "atavism"?
Common synonyms include: reversion, aboriginality, affect memory, age, ancien regime, ancientness.
How do you use "atavism" in a sentence?
He was a magnificent atavism, a man so purely primitive that he was of the type that came into the world before the development of the moral nature. He was not immoral, but merely unmoral.
How do you pronounce "atavism"?
Pronounced /ˈætəˌvɪzəm/.
Etymology
From French atavisme. Compare ancestorism.