Word
minimalism
Phoneticsmin·i·mal·ism
US/ˈmɪnəməˌɫɪzəm/
UK/mˈɪnɪməlˌɪzəm/
Definition
n. a style of art, music, or design that uses very few elements. It focuses on simple shapes, colors, and sounds to create a clean and quiet feeling.
n. a style or movement in the arts and design characterized by the use of minimal elements to achieve maximum effect. Often associated with a rejection of ornamentation in favor of simplicity and functional clarity.
Examples
“The room has a very clean look because of its minimalism.”
“The architect's design follows the principles of minimalism, using only white walls and simple wooden furniture.”
“In the realm of modern music, minimalism often involves the repetition of a small number of musical phrases to create a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere.”
Examples
simple
“The room has a very clean look because of its minimalism.”
contextual
“The architect's design follows the principles of minimalism, using only white walls and simple wooden furniture.”
complex
“In the realm of modern music, minimalism often involves the repetition of a small number of musical phrases to create a hypnotic and meditative atmosphere.”
Real-World Examples
“Reich dislikes the label but explains minimalism to me as “an intuitive movement towards what we wanted to hear.” “All of my artistic preferences were formed by the minimalism of the prairies, by the affordable space and the stillness.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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