# modernism

/ˈmɑdɝˌnɪzəm/ (US) · /mˈɒdənˌɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/modernism
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. artistic/literary movement

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a style in art, architecture, and literature from the early 1900s that tried to find new ways to express the modern world.

For teachers: a movement in the arts and literature that flourished in the early 20th century, characterized by a deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression.

- The course covers the impact of modernism on early 20th-century poetry and painting.
- High modernism in literature often employed stream-of-consciousness techniques to reflect the fragmented nature of human experience in the industrial age.

Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the specific historical movement.

Teaching tip: Learners should distinguish this from 'modernity', which refers to the state of being modern rather than the specific artistic movement.

### 2. modern character or ideas

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

modern ideas, methods, or ways of thinking.

For teachers: the quality or state of being modern; modern thought, character, or practice.

- The building's design was a perfect example of mid-century modernism.
- The architect sought to infuse the project with a sense of modernism that respected the surrounding historical context.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense.

### 3. religious movement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a movement in the Catholic Church that tried to combine traditional beliefs with modern science.

For teachers: a movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that sought to reconcile Roman Catholic dogma with modern scientific and philosophical thought.

- The Pope issued a decree against modernism in the early 1900s.
- The theological debate over modernism led to significant friction between progressive thinkers and the conservative hierarchy of the Church.

Usage: Usually capitalized in a religious context.

Teaching tip: This is a very niche sense; unless teaching theology or history, focus on the artistic sense.

## Examples

- Modernism changed how people designed buildings and furniture.
- The exhibition explores how modernism influenced painters to move away from realistic portraits toward abstract shapes and bold colors.
- 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.

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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.