Word
impressionism
Phoneticsim·pres·sion·ism
US/ˌɪmˈpɹɛʃəˌnɪzəm/
UK/ɪmpɹˈɛʃənˌɪzəm/
Uncountable noun Art
Definition
n. a style of painting that uses small, thin brushstrokes to show how light changes. Instead of painting every detail, artists try to capture the feeling or 'impression' of a scene.
n. a 19th-century art movement characterised by small, visible brushstrokes and an emphasis on the accurate depiction of light in its changing qualities. Often involves ordinary subject matter and the inclusion of movement as a crucial element of human perception.
Examples
“The museum has a beautiful room dedicated to French impressionism.”
“While critics initially hated the blurry style, impressionism eventually changed how the world viewed modern art.”
“The artist's late works moved beyond traditional impressionism, experimenting with bolder colours and more abstract forms that prefigured the arrival of post-impressionist techniques.”
Examples
simple
“The museum has a beautiful room dedicated to French impressionism.”
contextual
“While critics initially hated the blurry style, impressionism eventually changed how the world viewed modern art.”
complex
“The artist's late works moved beyond traditional impressionism, experimenting with bolder colours and more abstract forms that prefigured the arrival of post-impressionist techniques.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “impressionism” in context.
Verb
01. define impressionism
“Visible brushstrokes and accurate depiction of light define impressionism.”
verb + noun
02. impressionism emerges
“Impressionism emerged as a reaction against the rigid rules of academic painting.”
noun + verb
03. impressionism flourishes
“Impressionism flourished in France during the late 1800s.”
noun + verb
04. influence impressionism
“Japanese woodblock prints significantly influenced impressionism in the 19th century.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. abstract impressionism
“The artist's later work moved away from realism toward abstract impressionism.”
adj + noun
06. early impressionism
“The gallery features several rare sketches from the era of early impressionism.”
adj + noun
07. french impressionism
“Monet is widely considered the father of French impressionism.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. elements of impressionism
“The painting incorporates key elements of impressionism, such as vibrant colors.”
noun + prep + noun
09. master of impressionism
“Renoir is celebrated as a true master of impressionism.”
noun + prep + noun
10. a departure from impressionism
“His new style marked a radical departure from impressionism.”
11. in the style of impressionism
“She painted the garden scene in the style of impressionism.”
12. pave the way for impressionism
“The landscape painters of the Barbizon school paved the way for impressionism.”
Usage
When referring to the specific 19th-century movement, it is often capitalised as 'Impressionism'.
Real-World Examples
“The Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux in Le Havre, France, is home to an essential collection of Impressionist paintings. Many consider Le Havre to be the birthplace of Impressionism.” “For museums and their public, Impressionism is the Goldilocks movement: not too old or too new, not too challenging or too sappy; just right.” “It was an art critic who first used the term impressionism, and he meant it as a criticism.” Etymology
From French impressionnisme.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/impressionism