Meaning & use
Taoism
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Meanings
noununcountablereligion
A Chinese religious and philosophical tradition that teaches people to live in harmony with the natural way of the universe.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun, usually with a capital letter: Taoism spread across East Asia.
Patterns
- Taoism teaches something
- follow Taoism
- the ideas of Taoism
Taoism began in China more than two thousand years ago.
She studied Taoism and Buddhism at university.
Many of the poems in the book are influenced by Taoism.
noununcountablereligion
The set of beliefs and practices based on the Tao Te Ching and later Taoist writings.
Grammar: Also uncountable; often contrasted with Confucianism: Taoism emphasizes nature rather than social rules.
Patterns
- practise Taoism
- a follower of Taoism
- Taoism and Confucianism
He practises Taoism and visits a temple every spring.
Taoism and Confucianism have shaped Chinese culture for centuries.
Common combinations
- practise Taoism
- Her grandparents practise Taoism quietly at home.
- a follower of Taoism
- He describes himself as a follower of Taoism rather than a member of any church.
- Taoist philosophy
- The novel is full of Taoist philosophy about letting things take their course.
- Taoist temple
- We climbed the hill to a small Taoist temple above the town.
- the Tao
- In Taoism, the Tao is the underlying order of everything.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Daoism
- The same religion spelled the Chinese way; Daoism is now the more common spelling in academic writing.
Word family
- Taoist noun
- A person who follows Taoism.
- Taoist adjective
- Relating to Taoism, as in Taoist beliefs.
- Tao noun
- The central concept of Taoism: the natural way or order of the universe.
Commonly confused: Taoism or Buddhism? Taoism or Confucianism?
Taoism vs Buddhism
Another Asian religion; Taoism is Chinese and centers on living in harmony with the Tao, while Buddhism focuses on the teachings of the Buddha.
Taoism vs Confucianism
A Chinese tradition about moral behavior and social duties; Taoism stresses nature and effortlessness instead.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'Taoism' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Taoism' is an uncountable noun for the religion, so 'studied Taoism' works. Option A wrongly uses it for a person (you need 'Taoist'), B has a plural verb with an uncountable noun, and D treats it as a countable noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Taoism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.