Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

modernism

noun
/ˈmɒd.ən.ɪ.zəm/
Definition
A cultural, artistic, and literary movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a search for new forms of expression.
Examples
  • The architecture of the city showcases the principles of modernism with its sleek lines and functional designs.
  • Many poets and novelists embraced modernism as a way to express the complexities of life in the 20th century.
Meaning
Modernism reflects the feelings of disorientation in the modern world, advocating for innovation and experimentation in art, literature, and architecture.
Synonyms
  • contemporary movement
  • avant-garde
  • innovation
  • progressivism