atomistic
/ˌæt.əˈmɪs.tɪk/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Seeing something as made of separate parts, not as a whole. It often describes thinking that breaks complex ideas into small pieces.
- His atomistic view missed the bigger picture.
- The report felt too atomistic to be useful.
- She criticized the atomistic approach to learning.
Adinary Nuance
Atomistic is more specific than individual or separate. It suggests a way of thinking that focuses on tiny parts and may ignore connections. Writers often use it in academic or critical contexts, not in everyday speech.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tách rời
- Spanish
- atomista
- Chinese
- 原子论的
- Japanese
- 原子的な
- Korean
- 원자론적
Etymology
Atomistic comes from atom, from Greek atomos, meaning “indivisible.” English started using it in the 17th century for ideas about parts and wholes.
Common phrases
atomistic approachatomistic thinkingatomistic view
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is atomistic a common everyday word?
- No, it is more common in academic writing and formal discussion.
- What is the difference between atomistic and holistic?
- Atomistic focuses on parts; holistic focuses on the whole and how parts connect.
- Can I use atomistic in business writing?
- Yes, if you want to criticize a narrow or overly detailed approach.