Definition & Meaning of "modernism"in English

Modernism

NOUN

a style or movement in art, literature, and architecture developed in the beginning of 20th century that greatly differs from ones that are traditional

What is "modernism"?

Modernism was an artistic, literary, and cultural movement that started in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It aimed to move away from traditional forms and styles, trying new ideas and techniques to reflect the changes and challenges of modern life. Modernist artists and writers experimented with new approaches, often focusing on abstract or broken forms, and unusual methods to show modern experiences. This movement aimed to challenge traditional standards and explore new perspectives, often emphasizing originality, personal styles, and a shift from past styles. Modernism significantly influenced various fields, including art, literature, architecture, and design, forming how people understood and interacted with the modern world.

Examples

Modernism emerged in the early 20th century as artists and writers sought to break away from traditional forms and experiment with new techniques and perspectives.

The sleek, geometric lines of the building are characteristic of architectural modernism, emphasizing function and simplicity.

the quality or characteristic of being modern, marked by innovative thought, expression, or technique typical of contemporary life or thought

Examples

The architect 's design embodied modernism through its clean planes, open interiors, and integration of new materials.

The novelist 's use of stream-of-consciousness narration exemplified modernism in literature.

a movement in the Roman Catholic Church during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to reinterpret traditional doctrine in light of contemporary philosophy, historical criticism, and calls for freedom of conscience

Examples

Alfred Loisy 's critical approach to the Gospels became a hallmark of Catholic modernism and led to his dismissal from the Institut Catholique.

Although suppressed, elements of Catholic modernism resurfaced in later theological reforms during the Second Vatican Council.

Lexical Tree