What does "reductionism" mean?
An approach to studying complex systems or ideas by reducing them to a set of simpler components.
Reductionism
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An approach to studying complex systems or ideas by reducing them to a set of simpler components.
- Grammar: reductionism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: biological reductionism, biologization, coarseness, crudity.
- Useful contrasts: cultural interpretation, organismic development, organismic structure.
How to use "reductionism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "reductionism" 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 "reductionism" 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 "reductionism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "reductionism" 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 "biological reductionism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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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 An approach to studying complex systems or ideas by reducing them to a set of simpler components. countable, uncountable
- 2 the analysis of complex things into simpler constituents wordnet
- 3 A philosophical position which holds that a complex system is nothing but the sum of its parts, and that an account of it can be reduced to accounts of individual constituents. In a reductionist framework, the phenomena that can be explained completely in terms of relations between other more fundamental phenomena are called "epiphenomena". countable, uncountable
- 4 a theory that all complex systems can be completely understood in terms of their components wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
cultural interpretationorganismic developmentorganismic structureearth system approach
Common questions
What is a synonym for "reductionism"?
Common synonyms include: biological reductionism, biologization, coarseness, crudity, greenness, immaturity.
Etymology
From reduction + -ism.