ENGLISH
REFERENCE

neo

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈnioʊ// neo Archaic Slang

adj. new or based on a newer version of an old idea. It is often used as a prefix to describe a modern style of something that existed in the past.

adj. constituting a new or revived form of a pre-existing movement, style, or ideology. Often functions as a prefix in academic or political contexts to denote a contemporary iteration of a traditional school of thought.


SIMPLE

The city is famous for its neo-classical architecture.

CONTEXTUAL

The gallery is hosting an exhibition focused on neo-expressionist painters who emerged in the late twentieth century.

COMPLEX

While the core tenets remain similar, the neo-liberal approach to economic policy emphasizes market deregulation more aggressively than its historical predecessors did during the early industrial era.

Usage

Commonly functions as a prefix attached with a hyphen to nouns or adjectives, though it can stand alone in specific artistic or academic discussions.

© 2026 English Reference