Definition

A person who believes that everything in the universe can be explained by physical laws and mechanical processes.

Example

The mechanist argued that all natural phenomena could be understood through science and mechanics.

Conversation

Have you ever read about the ideas of a mechanist?

No, I haven't. What do they believe in?

They think everything in the universe can be explained through mechanics and natural laws.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how that applies to our daily lives.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Mechanist → It is formed from "mechan" (from Greek "mēkhanē", meaning machine or contrivance) and "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). A mechanist is someone who specializes in or is concerned with machines or mechanical systems.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who works with 'machines' ('mechan') and is a 'practitioner' ('-ist') of that field — that's why a mechanist is someone who specializes in machines.

Visually Confused Words