exclusivism
UK[ɪkˈskluːsɪvɪzəm]US[ɪkˈskluːsɪvɪzəm]
n
The practice of excluding or being exclusive, especially on the basis of group membership, such as religion, race, or nationality.
n
The belief that a particular doctrine, system, or group is uniquely true or superior, and that all others are invalid.
Morpheme Breakdown
exclus
iv
ism
exclus
shut out
iv
adjective suffix
ism
doctrine or practice
Etymology
The word 'exclusivism' is a modern English formation built upon the Latinate adjective 'exclusive.' Its core, the Latin verb excludere, meaning 'to shut out,' is itself a compound of ex- (out) and claudere (to shut, close). The suffix -ivus was added in Latin to create the adjective exclusivus (shutting out, exclusive). In English, the abstract noun-forming suffix -ism, indicating a practice or doctrine, was appended to this adjective. Thus, the literal progression from 'shutting out' to the modern abstract doctrine of 'exclusivism' is clear: it denotes the practice or principle of maintaining exclusivity by deliberately shutting out those deemed outside a specific group or belief system.
Analysis
Structure: exclus (shut out) + iv (adjective suffix) + ism (doctrine or practice)
- exclus: From Latin exclus-, past participle stem of excludere (to shut out, exclude). The functional role is the core semantic root.
- iv: A suffix of Latin origin (-ivus) used to form adjectives meaning "tending to" or "having the nature of." Here, it forms the adjective "exclusive."
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (-ismos) via Latin, used to form nouns denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
The sect's strict exclusivism forbade any interaction with members of other faiths.
Critics accused the political party of fostering a dangerous cultural exclusivism.
Theological debates often center on the tension between inclusivism and exclusivism.