# abstractionism

CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstractionism
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the style of art where the artist does not paint things as they look in real life. Instead, they use shapes, colors, and lines to show feelings or ideas.

For teachers: a style of visual art that rejects the depiction of the physical world in favor of abstract forms, colors, and shapes. Often associated with modern and contemporary movements that prioritize emotional or conceptual expression over literal representation.

## Examples

- The museum has a large collection of abstractionism.
- The artist's latest series explores abstractionism by using bold, geometric patterns to represent the chaos of urban life.
- While critics once dismissed abstractionism as a lack of technical skill, modern scholars argue it represents a profound shift toward exploring the emotional and philosophical dimensions of visual language.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.