ENGLISH
REFERENCE

modernist

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈmɑdɝnɪst// UK //mˈɒdənˌɪst// mod·ernist

n. a person who follows or creates art, buildings, or writing in a style that was popular in the early 20th century. These people often wanted to break away from old traditions and try new, experimental ideas.

n. an adherent or practitioner of modernism, particularly in the arts, architecture, or literature. Refers to those who broke with traditional forms during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to embrace experimentation and abstraction.


SIMPLE

The modernist designed a house with large glass walls.

CONTEXTUAL

As a dedicated modernist, the architect rejected decorative ornaments in favor of clean lines and functional spaces.

COMPLEX

While traditionalists clung to representational art, the modernist sought to capture the fragmented reality of post-war life through abstract forms and unconventional narrative structures.

Etymology 1

From modern + -ist.

Etymology 2

Ellipsis of Modernist Cuisine, a book on molecular gastronomy.

Usage

Often used as a modifier before another noun, such as 'modernist architecture' or 'modernist poetry'.

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