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Definition of relativism

relativism

/ˈrɛlətɪˌvɪzəm/
rel · a · tiv · ism
Adverb:relativistically
•
Plural:relativisms
•
Adjective:relativistic
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relativism Lexical Profile

relativism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The philosophical doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute.

Example

"The professor's lecture on moral relativism sparked a lively debate among the ethics students."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

relationship
relative
relatively
relativism
relativist
relativity
relaunch

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century in philosophical discourse, combining the adjective 'relative' (from Late Latin 'relativus', meaning 'having reference or relation') with the suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Relativism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/relativism
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