Continuist

/kənˈtɪn.u.ɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who believes that something changes gradually and smoothly without sudden breaks or jumps.

Etymology

From Latin 'continuus' (continuous) plus the suffix '-ist' (one who practices or believes in). It emerged in philosophy to describe those opposing discontinuity theories.

Kelly Says

Continuists clashed with 'saltationists' in 19th-century evolution debates—one side said species changed gradually, the other claimed they jumped suddenly; Darwin sided with the continuists.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.