romanticism
UK: rə(ʊ)ˈmantɪsɪz(ə)m | US: roʊˈmæntɪsɪzəm
n. A movement in literature and art emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature (late 18th–mid-19th century).
n. Idealism or sentimental attachment to romantic notions.
n. A style or attitude reflecting romantic qualities.
romanticism = romantic<relating to romance> + ism<doctrine/movement>
- romantic (from romance <medieval tale of chivalry>, derived via French romantique from Old Spanish romanz "vernacular language," ultimately from Latin Romanicus "Roman").
- ism (suffix denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy, from Greek -ismos).
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to medieval tales (romance) written in vernacular languages (not Latin), which often featured heroic adventures and idealized love. By the 18th century, romantic evolved to describe emotional, imaginative art. The suffix -ism formalized it as a cultural movement (Romanticism), opposing Enlightenment rationalism with passion and nature.
Romanticism rejected industrialism, celebrating untouched landscapes.
Her poetry reflects the spirit of Romanticism with its focus on personal freedom.
Critics argue that political romanticism ignores practical realities.
The painter’s use of light embodies Romanticism’s dramatic intensity.
Beethoven’s later works bridge Classicism and Romanticism.