modernism

UK: ˈmɒdənɪzəm | US: ˈmɑːdərnɪzəm

Definition
  1. n. a movement in art, literature, or music that rejects traditional forms and emphasizes innovation and experimentation.

  2. n. the quality or condition of being modern, especially in style or design.

Structure
modern <relating to recent times>ism <doctrine or movement>
Etymology

modernism = modern<relating to recent times> + ism<doctrine or movement>

  • modern: Derived from Latin modernus ("of recent times"), from modo ("just now").
  • ism: A suffix from Greek -ismos, indicating a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.

Etymology Origin:
The term modernism emerged in the late 19th century, combining modern (highlighting contemporaneity) with -ism (denoting a cultural or artistic movement). It reflects a deliberate break from classical traditions, emphasizing progress and avant-garde expression in fields like literature, art, and architecture.

Examples
  1. Modernism in literature often experiments with fragmented narratives.

  2. The building’s design reflects the principles of modernism.

  3. Critics debated whether modernism truly represented progress or merely rebellion.

  4. Her paintings blend modernism with subtle classical influences.

  5. The poet’s work is a cornerstone of literary modernism.