-ism

Usage

• aphorism

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

• euphemism

  A euphemism is a polite synonym or expression that people use when they want to avoid talking about—or indirectly replace—an unpleasant or embarrassing thing.

• 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.