Modernism Definition, Usage & Key Characteristics

Meaning 1：20th-century artistic movement (modernism)

modernism 🔊

/ˈmɒdənɪzəm/

An art movement from the early 20th century that broke old rules to create new, abstract styles.

Modernism definition illustrated by contrasting traditional realistic painting with abstract Cubist artwork.

20th-century artistic movement 🔊

➕

/twentiːθ ˈsentʃəri ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈmuːvmənt/

A broad cultural and artistic movement in the early-to-mid 20th century characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a focus on abstraction, experimentation, and new forms of expression.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'modo' (just now) + suffix '-ism' (movement/doctrine).

💡 Mnemonic

'Modern' + 'ism' = a new mode of artistic thinking.

📖 Example

The building's simple geometric shapes and lack of ornate decoration are perfect examples of modernism in architecture. 🔊 The building's simple geometric shapes and lack of ornate decoration are perfect examples of modernism in architecture.

🔗 Collocations

architectural modernism – the principles and styles of modernism applied to building design

literary modernism – a movement in literature using innovative narrative techniques and forms

embrace modernism – to fully accept and adopt modernist ideas or styles

🔄 Synonyms

avant-garde (n./adj.) – new and experimental ideas, especially in the arts

innovation (n.) – the introduction of new ideas or methods

abstraction (n.) – art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks its effect through shapes and colors

🚫 Antonyms

traditionalism (n.) – adherence to traditional methods, styles, or views

classicism (n.) – following principles of ancient Greek and Roman art, emphasizing harmony and proportion

conservatism (n.) – commitment to traditional values and ideas with opposition to change

🌱 Derivatives

modernist (n./adj.) – a follower or characteristic of modernism

modernistic (adj.) – relating to or characteristic of modernism

modernize (v.) – to make something modern in style or function

📖 Cultural Story

Modernism emerged in the early 1900s as a response to industrialization and World War I. Artists rejected traditional forms to explore abstraction and new perspectives, shaping art, literature, and architecture.