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Modernism - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Modernism is a cultural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing innovation, experimentation, and a break from traditional forms in art, literature, and architecture.

modernism

/ˈmɑdərˌnɪzəm/ /ˈmɒdənɪzəm/

Definition:

A cultural movement embracing innovation and rejecting traditional forms in art, literature, and philosophy.

Synonyms:

avant-garde, innovation, progressivism

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

traditionalism, conservatism

Common Collocations:

literary modernism, architectural modernism, modernist movement

Derivatives:

modernist, modernistic

Usage Tips:

Use "modernism" to describe early 20th-century artistic movements or contemporary innovative approaches in any field.

Common Phrases:

high modernism, late modernism, modernist manifesto

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "modernus," meaning "just now," reflecting a break from past traditions.

Examples:

  • 1. Modernism influenced many 20th-century artists and writers.
  • 2. Her thesis explores the impact of modernism on poetry.
  • 3. The building’s design reflects principles of architectural modernism.
  • 4. Critics debated whether modernism truly rejected tradition or reinvented it.

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