-ism

distinctive trait of language

Usage

  • aphorism

    An aphorism is a short, witty statement that contains a wise idea.

  • euphemism

    A euphemism is a polite synonym or expression that people use to avoid talking directly about something that might be unpleasant or embarrassing.

  • neologism

    A neologism is a new word or expression in a language or an existing word used with a new meaning.

  • malapropism

    A malapropism is an unintentional and usually humorous mistake you make when you use a word that sounds similar to the word you actually intended to use but means something completely different.

  • archaism

    the use of an archaic expression

  • colloquialism

    a colloquial expression

  • vulgarism

    an offensive or indecent word or phrase

  • witticism

    a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

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