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expressionism

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ɪkˈsprɛʃənɪzəm/

KK: /ɪkˈsprɛʃənɪzəm/

noun
Definition

A style of art that focuses on expressing the artist's feelings and emotions rather than depicting reality accurately.


Example

The painting is a great example of expressionism, showing deep emotions through bold colors and distorted forms.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of expressionism in art?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's all about showing emotions through painting, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! I really love how it captures the artist's feelings.
Sloth B
Same here — it makes the artwork feel so much more alive.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impressionism
subjectivism
artistry
Antonyms
realism
objectivism
literalism
Root Explanation

Expressionism → It is formed from "express" (from Latin "exprimere", meaning to press out) and "-ism" (a suffix used to denote a distinctive practice or philosophy). The word "expressionism" refers to a movement or philosophy that emphasizes the expression of emotional experience rather than physical reality.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pressing out' emotions ('express') to remember that 'expressionism' is all about conveying feelings and experiences.

Visually Confused Words
repressionist
impressionism
neoimpressionism
progressionism
secessionism
precisionism
expansionism
excursionism
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