modernism - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
modernism Word Meanings
- A movement in art and literature that seeks new forms and ideas.
- A broader cultural shift towards embracing innovation and changes.
- A philosophy advocating for the separation from tradition.
modernism Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
modernism Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɒd.ən.ɪ.zəm/
US
/ˈmɑː.dɚ.nɪ.zəm/
modernism Word Etymology
Modernism consists of 'modern' + '-ism'. 'Modern' comes from Latin 'moderns', meaning 'just now', evolving through Old French 'moderne'. Visualize a bustling city with sleek skyscrapers symbolizing current innovation, contrasting with outdated structures around it.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Modernism is a movement in art and literature that sought new forms and ideas after centuries of tradition. It pushed back against the old rules by experimenting with structure, voice, and perspective, often looking to modern city life, technology, and changing social roles for material. It embraced fragmentation, stream-of-consciousness, and abstract or nonrepresentational approaches to convey how people experience the modern world. Beyond the arts, modernism became a broader cultural shift that valued innovation, self-expression, and questioning authority. In philosophy and politics, it encouraged autonomy and critical thinking, sometimes challenging moral certainties. Understanding modernism helps learners read texts with a willingness to interpret hints, gaps, and multiple viewpoints rather than seeking neat, closed conclusions.
Usage Reminders
- Noun, not a proper noun.
- Not a political ideology by default.
- Often about art, architecture, or culture, not a single policy.
- Can pair with 'modern', 'modernist', or 'modernity'.
- Look for context clues about form, doubt, or innovation.
Common Misconceptions
- It is a single style or movement only in painting.
- It means being modern for the sake of being modern.
- It is identical to modernity or modernization.
- It endorses chaos without any structure.
- It is a political ideology.
Thinking Differences
English speakers often associate modernism with formal experimentation and a shift toward ambiguity—learners should note how it moves away from neat, linear narratives to open-ended interpretation.
Learning Tips
- Read short excerpts with modernist features (fragmentation, stream of consciousness).
- Mark where the narrator or speaker withholds information.
- Compare a modernist text with a traditional one to spot form differences.
- Practice describing a city scene using rapid, sensory detail.
- Note how punctuation or line breaks create pace and mood.
- Discuss multiple interpretations with a study buddy.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'modernism'?
A.An artistic movement
B.A style of music
C.A type of food
D.A political ideology
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'modernism' used correctly?
A.She cooked a delicious modernism for dinner.
B.The team used modernism strategies to win the game.
C.He modernismed the latest novel by that author.
D.The museum displayed a collection of modernism art pieces.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym for 'modernism'?
A.Contemporaneity
B.Traditionalism
C.Antiquity
D.Conservatism
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'modernism'?
A.Ancientism
B.Pastism
C.Futurism
D.Classicism
Step 5: Mastery
How does 'modernism' apply in real-world art and literature?
A.It reinforces historical perspectives.
B.It challenges traditional norms and conventions.
C.It celebrates ancient traditions.
D.It ignores contemporary issues.
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