What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
verism
Example
The novel's verism was praised for its honest portrayal of working-class life. [verism: noun]
Example
The artist's veristic paintings captured the gritty reality of urban life. [veristic: adjective]
naturalism
Example
The play's naturalism was praised for its scientific approach to human behavior. [naturalism: noun]
Example
The artist's naturalistic paintings captured the beauty of the natural world. [naturalistic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Naturalism is more commonly used than verism in everyday language, particularly in discussions of art and literature. Naturalism has had a lasting impact on modern art and literature, while verism is less well-known and has been overshadowed by other movements.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between verism and naturalism?
Both verism and naturalism are associated with a formal and academic tone, particularly in discussions of art and literature. However, naturalism is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.