sensationalism

/sen'seiʃnəlizm/

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Word: Sensationalism

Part of Speech: Noun

Basic Definition: Sensationalism is a way of presenting information, especially in journalism, that is designed to provoke excitement or strong feelings. It often emphasizes shocking or dramatic details to attract attention, rather than focusing on important or accurate information.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use the word "sensationalism" when talking about news articles, television shows, or any media that seems more focused on being exciting than on being true or reliable.
• Context: It is often used in discussions about media ethics or the quality of news reporting.

Example Sentence:

• "The newspaper was criticized for its sensationalism, as it often exaggerated stories to get more readers."

Advanced Usage:

• In academic discussions, "sensationalism" can refer to the tendency of media to prioritize emotional reactions over factual reporting, which can lead to public misinformation or panic.

Word Variants:

• Sensationalist (adjective or noun): Referring to someone or something that uses sensationalism.
  • Example (adjective): "The sensationalist article misled many readers."
  • Example (noun): "The sensationalists claimed that the event was more dramatic than it really was."

Different Meanings:

1. Philosophical Meaning: In philosophy, "sensationalism" can refer to the idea that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience or that feelings are the basis for understanding what is good.
2. Ethical Doctrine: It can also mean the belief that feelings are the only measure of what is good or valuable.

Synonyms:

• Exaggeration
• Drama
• Hype
• Overstatement
• Theatricality

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "sensationalism," you might encounter phrases like: - "Make a mountain out of a molehill": This means to exaggerate a small problem into something much bigger, similar to sensationalism in media. - "Stir the pot": This means to create trouble or excitement, often by spreading rumors or exaggerating stories.

Summary:

In summary, "sensationalism" is about creating excitement, often at the expense of truth. It can refer to both a media practice and philosophical ideas about knowledge and ethics.

Academic

Noun

1. (philosophy) the doctrine that knowledge derives from experience
2. (philosophy) the ethical doctrine that feeling is the only criterion for what is good
3. the journalistic use of subject matter that appeals to vulgar tastes
   • the tabloids relied on sensationalism to maintain their circulation
4. subject matter that is calculated to excite and please vulgar tastes

Synonyms

• empiricism
• empiricist philosophy
• sensualism
• luridness