Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » modernism

modernism

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

Modernism is a technique, thought, discussion, creative work or genre of art and literature that breaks from the classical mold or that is considered cutting-edge.

(noun)

An example of modernism is a technique in art that breaks from classical stylings.

See modernism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. modern practices, trends, ideas, etc., or sympathy with any of these
2. an instance of this; a modern idiom, practice, or usage
any of several movements variously attempting to redefine Biblical and Christian dogma and traditional teachings in the light of modern science, historical research, etc.: condemned in the Roman Catholic Church in 1907 as a heresy
the early 20th-cent. movement or trend in which certain artists and writers, esp. those (as Joyce, T. S. Eliot, and Picasso) of the period between WWI and WWII, broke with established traditions and sought new modes of expression

Related Forms:

modernist noun, adjective

See modernism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Modern thought, character, or practice.
b. Sympathy with or conformity to modern ideas, practices, or standards.
A peculiarity of usage or style, as of a word or phrase, that is characteristic of modern times.
often Modernism The deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression that distinguish many styles in the arts and literature of the 20th century.
often Modernism A Roman Catholic movement, officially condemned in 1907, that attempted to examine traditional belief according to contemporary philosophy, criticism, and historiography.

Related Forms: