What does "monism" mean?
The doctrine of the oneness and unity of reality, despite the appearance of diversity in the world.
Monism
/ˈmɒnɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The doctrine of the oneness and unity of reality, despite the appearance of diversity in the world.
- Grammar: monism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: atomism, constitutional monism, homogeneity, identity theory.
- Useful contrasts: dialectics, dichotomies, dualism.
- Usage evidence: The same conflict between the monism of temporal theorists and the dualism of ecclesiastical thinkers—the same opposition of organic to symbiotic union—occurred in the ninth century.
How to use "monism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "monism" 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 "monism" 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 "monism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "monism" 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 "atomism" 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 doctrine of the oneness and unity of reality, despite the appearance of diversity in the world. countable, uncountable
- 2 the doctrine that reality consists of a single basic substance or element wordnet
- 3 The doctrine that there is a single source of political authority, especially that the church is subordinate to the state or vice versa. countable, historical, uncountable
"The same conflict between the monism of temporal theorists and the dualism of ecclesiastical thinkers—the same opposition of organic to symbiotic union—occurred in the ninth century."
- 4 The legal doctrine that international law forms part of domestic law automatically after ratification or accession. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The same conflict between the monism of temporal theorists and the dualism of ecclesiastical thinkers—the same opposition of organic to symbiotic union—occurred in the ninth century."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "monism"?
Common synonyms include: atomism, constitutional monism, homogeneity, identity theory, integrity, legal monism.
How do you use "monism" in a sentence?
The same conflict between the monism of temporal theorists and the dualism of ecclesiastical thinkers—the same opposition of organic to symbiotic union—occurred in the ninth century.
How do you pronounce "monism"?
Pronounced /ˈmɒnɪzəm/.
Etymology
The word was coined by German philosopher Baron Christian von Wolff and first used in English in 1862, from New Latin monismus, from Ancient Greek μόνος (mónos, “alone”). By surface analysis, mon- + -ism.