What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
orientalism
Example
Edward Said's book 'Orientalism' critiques the Western portrayal of Eastern cultures. [orientalism: noun]
Example
The painting depicts an orientalist scene of a harem with veiled women. [orientalist: adjective]
exoticism
Example
The restaurant offers exotic dishes from various countries. [exotic: adjective]
Example
The fashion designer's collection features exotic prints and fabrics from Africa. [exoticism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exoticism is more commonly used than orientalism in everyday language, especially in the context of fashion, design, and tourism. Orientalism is a more specialized term used in academic discourse and critical theory.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between orientalism and exoticism?
Orientalism is a more formal term used in academic and intellectual contexts, while exoticism is more informal and can be used in various contexts, including popular culture and media.
