noun Uncommon

Buddhism

BUU-dih-zuhm

Buddhism (noun) means a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, centered on ending suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation. Example: “Buddhism teaches that attachment is a major source of human suffering.”

noun

A religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, centered on ending suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation.

"Buddhism teaches that attachment is a major source of human suffering."

"She began studying Buddhism after a meditation retreat changed how she saw her own stress."

How to use Buddhism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe religion and philosophy that grew out of the Buddha's teachings on suffering, mindfulness, and enlightenment.

Common pairings

practice Buddhism Zen Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism

Word forms

Buddhisms plural

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_____ teaches that attachment is a major source of human suffering.

Etymology

Formed from "Buddha" plus the suffix "-ism," used to name a system of belief or practice.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Buddhism” mean?

The word “Buddhism” means a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, centered on ending suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation. In plain terms, the religion and philosophy that grew out of the Buddha's teachings on suffering, mindfulness, and enlightenment.

How do you pronounce “Buddhism”?

“Buddhism” is pronounced BUU-dih-zuhm (/ˈbu.dɪ.zəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “Buddhism” in a sentence?

Here is “Buddhism” used in a sentence: “Buddhism teaches that attachment is a major source of human suffering.”

What part of speech is “Buddhism”?

“Buddhism” is a noun.

Is “Buddhism” a common word?

“Buddhism” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between Buddhism and Hinduism?

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha, focused on ending suffering through wisdom, ethical conduct, and meditation, whereas Hinduism developed from a broader set of ancient Indian traditions and deities with a different founding figure and core teachings. The two share concepts like karma and rebirth but diverge on doctrine and practice.

Is Buddhism a religion or a philosophy?

Buddhism is often described as both, since it combines spiritual teaching with practical guidance on ethics and mental discipline. Many people follow its meditation and ethical practices as a philosophy of life without treating it as a theistic religion.

Should "Buddhism" always be capitalized?

Yes, Buddhism is a proper noun naming a specific religion and philosophy, so it is capitalized in every context, just like Christianity or Islam.

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