modernism Definition
- 1a style or movement in the arts that aims to break with classical and traditional forms
- 2a cultural movement which rebelled against Victorian morality and artistic expression
- 3a philosophical movement that rejected the certainty of Enlightenment thinking and instead focused on subjective experience
Using modernism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "modernism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Modernism in literature is characterized by a self-conscious break with traditional ways of writing, in both poetry and prose fiction.
Example
The modernist movement in art rejected traditional techniques and styles in favor of experimentation and abstraction.
Example
Modernism in architecture emphasized function over form and rejected ornamentation.
modernism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for modernism
Antonyms for modernism
Phrases with modernism
a form of modernist art and architecture that emerged in the aftermath of World War I and was characterized by a focus on abstraction, formalism, and the use of new materials and technologies
Example
The Guggenheim Museum in New York City is an iconic example of high modernism.
postmodernism
a cultural movement that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to modernism, characterized by skepticism towards grand theories and ideologies, and a focus on irony, parody, and pastiche
Example
The architecture of the Portland Building in Oregon is an example of postmodernism.
a style of cooking that emphasizes scientific techniques and the use of new ingredients and equipment
Example
The restaurant's menu features modernist cuisine, with dishes like foie gras ice cream and liquid nitrogen cocktails.
Origins of modernism
from modern + -ism
Summary: modernism in Brief
Modernism [ˈmɒdənɪz(ə)m] is a style or movement in the arts that breaks with classical and traditional forms, characterized by experimentation and abstraction. It also refers to a cultural movement that rejected Victorian morality and artistic expression, and a philosophical movement that rejected Enlightenment thinking. Examples include modernism in literature, art, and architecture, as well as modernist cuisine. Synonyms include 'avant-garde' and 'innovative.'
