Catholicism

UK: kəˈθɒlɪsɪzəm | US: kəˈθɑːlɪsɪzəm

Definition

  1. n. the faith, doctrine, system, and practice of the Catholic Church

  2. n. (broadly) universality or inclusiveness in religious or philosophical contexts

Structure
catholic <universal, from Greek *katholikos*>ism <doctrine or system, from Greek *-ismos*>
Etymology

The word "Catholicism" derives from the Greek katholikos ("universal"), combining kata ("according to") + holos ("whole"). Early Christians adopted katholikos to describe the church's universal nature. The suffix -ism (from Greek -ismos) denotes a system or doctrine, forming "Catholicism" as the institutionalized faith of the Catholic Church. The term reflects the church's claim to doctrinal unity and global reach.

Examples

  1. Catholicism is one of the oldest branches of Christianity.

  2. The spread of Catholicism in Latin America began during colonization.

  3. She converted to Catholicism after years of spiritual exploration.

  4. Catholicism emphasizes sacraments like baptism and communion.

  5. The Vatican is the central authority of Catholicism.