modernism
UK[ˈmɒdənɪzəm]US[ˈmɑːdərnɪzəm]
n
a style or movement in the arts that aims to break with classical and traditional forms, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
n
a movement in the roman catholic church seeking to interpret modern scientific theories and biblical criticism in a way considered acceptable.
Morpheme Breakdown
modern
ism
modern
recent
ism
doctrine or movement
Etymology
the term 'modernism' is a compound formed from the latin-derived adjective 'modern' and the greek-derived nominalizing suffix '-ism'. its core, 'modernus', entered late latin from the adverb 'modo', meaning 'just now' or 'only', establishing a direct contrast with the ancient and classical past. the suffix '-ism', with its capacity to denote a distinctive system or movement, transforms the temporal quality of 'modern' into an abstract noun signifying a collective doctrine. thus, modernism linguistically encapsulates the philosophy or movement defined by its conscious departure from tradition and its embrace of the new, reflecting the radical artistic, cultural, and theological innovations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Analysis
Structure: modern (recent) + ism (doctrine or movement)
modern: from latin modernus (just now, of the present time), from modo (just now, only). functions as the core adjective/root meaning "pertaining to the present or recent times."
ism: from greek -ismos, a suffix forming nouns of action, state, or doctrine. functions as a noun-forming suffix denoting a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy.
Examples
literary modernism is often characterized by a deliberate break from traditional narrative forms.
the architect's work is a prime example of early 20th-century modernism.
theological modernism sought to reconcile faith with contemporary scientific and historical thought.