Dictionary Entry
positivism
Part of SpeechnounPronunciation/ˈpɒzɪtɪvˌɪzm/Word FrequencyUncommon (3.22)Curriculum FrequencyLess common (1)A doctrine that states that the only authentic knowledge is scientific knowledge, and that such knowledge can only come from positive affirmation of theories through strict scientific method, refusing every form of metaphysics.
In a Sentence
“Many scientists in the 19th century embraced positivism, believing that only observable facts could lead to true understanding.”
Published Usage Examples
“But this positivism is a dead-end: The same impulse of stripping away conceit characterized modern architecture.”
“In other words, false positivism is easy, but it is a lie.”
This entry also appears in ReadingWillow Year 11 word lists, so students can move between the dictionary and year-level study sets.
Origin
French, coined by Auguste Comte
Common Phrases
Synonyms
Poetry examples for “positivism”
Excerpts from the ReadingWillow English Library collection.
Poetry examples are still being gathered for this entry. They will appear here once matching poems are available in the library.
