ENGLISH
REFERENCE

modernism

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈmɑdɝˌnɪzəm// UK //mˈɒdənˌɪzəm// mod·ernism

n. a style of art, writing, and design from the early 20th century that broke away from old traditions. It focuses on new ideas, technology, and finding different ways to express the modern world.

n. a global movement in society and culture that, from the early 20th century, sought a new alignment with the experience and values of modern industrial life. It is characterised by a self-conscious break with traditional aesthetic forms and a focus on experimentation.


SIMPLE

Modernism changed how people designed buildings and furniture.

CONTEXTUAL

The exhibition explores how modernism influenced painters to move away from realistic portraits toward abstract shapes and bold colors.

COMPLEX

Literary modernism often employs stream-of-consciousness techniques and fragmented narratives to mirror the psychological complexity and perceived chaos of life in the aftermath of the First World War.

Synonyms
Origin

From modern + -ism.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the historical movement; can be countable when referring to a specific modernist trait or work.

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