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annalism

annalism

9.9
A way of writing history that lists events year by year
  • noun
  • /ˈænəˌlɪzəm/
  • Formal
: análisis
  • The historian's work is a model of annalism, listing events year by year with careful detail.

Examples

  • The historian practiced annalism to document the events of each year.

  • Many ancient cultures relied on annalism for recording their histories.

  • By avoiding the dryness of annalism, the author created a more engaging historical narrative.

  • Many early medieval histories are characterized by a strict adherence to annalism.

  • The historian's latest book showcases the style of annalism, providing a clear timeline of events.

  • The practice of annalism allows historians to keep track of important occurrences each year.

  • In his lectures, he emphasizes the significance of annalism in preserving the narrative of past events.

Surface Forms

annalism singular
annalisms plural

Morphology

annalism = annal (semi-transparent) = annal + ism

The derivation 'annal' + '-ism' is regular, but 'annal' is an uncommon/archaising root so learners may not reliably infer the meaning.

Etymology

Annalism comes from the Latin word annus, meaning 'year', and is the same root in annual, anniversary, and annals. That's why annalism refers to the way of writing history like a book of years, recording events 'year by year'.