A theory or doctrine that explains phenomena through evolution; specifically, the belief that evolution explains the origin and diversity of life.
From 'evolution' + '-ism' suffix meaning a system of beliefs. Coined in the mid-1800s as evolutionary theory gained prominence, often as a label for the worldview itself.
Evolutionism is bigger than just Darwin—it's been applied to language, culture, art, and society to explain how things develop from simple to complex, which is why you'll see 'social evolutionism' in anthropology texts.
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