Meliorism

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmiːlɪəɹɪz(ə)m/

Definitions

1. The belief that human conditions can be improved through effort and change
2. An optimistic philosophy that progress and betterment are possible for mankind
3. The view that purposeful action can lead to positive social and moral developments

Etymology: George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, is credited with coining "meliorism" in her letters, which were published in 1877. She was reacting to the pessimism of the day, and the word gave a name to a belief that human effort could steadily improve society and conduct. The root is the Latin "melior," meaning "better," the comparative of "bonus." English has been building words on it for centuries, which is why "melior" also sits behind "ameliorate," meaning to make something better. The suffix "-ism" marks the word as a doctrine or system of belief, so the whole term names a philosophy of improvement.