What does "taoism" mean?
philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
Taoism
/ˈtaʊ̯.ɪzm̩/ name
name ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events
- Grammar: taoism is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: daoism, chinese religious philosophy, daoist religion, denomination.
- Useful contrasts: artificiality, atheism, coercion.
- Usage evidence: The major religions in China are Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.
How to use "taoism"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
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Definition decision workflow
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 philosophical system developed by Lao-tzu and Chuang-tzu advocating a simple honest life and noninterference with the course of natural events wordnet
- 2 popular Chinese philosophical system based in teachings of Lao-tzu but characterized by a pantheism of many gods and the practices of alchemy and divination and magic wordnet
- 3 religion adhering to the teaching of Lao-tzu wordnet
- 4 a Chinese sect claiming to follow the teaching of Lao-tzu but incorporating pantheism and sorcery in addition to Taoism wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A Chinese mystical philosophy traditionally founded by Lao-tzu in the 6th century B.C.E. that teaches conformity to the tao by unassertive action and simplicity.
"The philosophical Taoism of the “Tao Te Ching” seeks to remain connected to this “mother of the world,” the formless Tao (meaning “Way” or “Course”), that is seemingly the opposite of all we value, but is actually the source of all we value, as manure is to flowers, as the emptiness of a womb is to the fullness of life."
- 2 A religion developed from Taoist philosophy and folk and Buddhist religion and concerned with obtaining long life and good fortune often by magical means.
"The Chinese New Year holiday period, being disrupted this year by the outbreak of a viral illness, has evolved over more than 3,000 years to become the most important of China’s traditional festivals. As celebrated in China and in many other places where its known as the Lunar New Year, it is largely a secular holiday, yet it includes rituals and traditions that derive from Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, as well as from ancient myths and folk religions."
- 3 Traditional Chinese folk religion Singapore
"Buddhism is the most followed religion in Singapore, with over 40 percent of the population declaring themselves believers, according to the latest census. Most of these practice a form of the religion that incorporates elements of Taoism and traditional Chinese faiths."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The major religions in China are Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "taoism"?
Common synonyms include: daoism, chinese religious philosophy, daoist religion, denomination, hsuan chiao, taoist philosophy.
How do you use "taoism" in a sentence?
The major religions in China are Taoism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.
How do you pronounce "taoism"?
Pronounced /ˈtaʊ̯.ɪzm̩/.
Etymology
From Tao + -ism.