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conceptualism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kənˈsɛptʃuəlɪzəm/

KK: /kənˈsɛptʃuəlɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A type of art or philosophy that focuses on ideas and concepts rather than physical objects or traditional forms of art.


Example

Conceptualism challenges the way we think about art by emphasizing ideas over objects.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about conceptualism in art?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s that style that focuses more on ideas than the actual objects, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I find it really fascinating how it challenges traditional views.
Sloth B
Me too! It really makes you think about what art actually means.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
abstraction
theory
ideation
Antonyms
realism
materialism
concreteness
Root Explanation

Conceptualism is formed from "conceptus" (from Latin, meaning something conceived or thought) and "-alism" (a suffix indicating a practice or belief). The word refers to a philosophical theory that emphasizes the role of concepts in understanding reality.

Memory Tip

Think of 'concept' as something that is 'conceived' in the mind, and '-alism' as a belief or practice. This helps you remember that conceptualism is about the belief in the importance of concepts.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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