postmodernist
UK[ˌpəʊstˈmɒdənɪst]US[ˌpoʊstˈmɑːdərnɪst]
adj
Relating to or characterized by postmodernism, especially in being skeptical of established theories and ideologies.
n
A person who advocates or practices postmodernism, especially in the arts, architecture, or criticism.
Morpheme Breakdown
post
modern
ist
post
after
modern
recent
ist
practitioner
Etymology
The term 'postmodernist' is built upon the core concept of 'modern', which itself originates from the Latin modernus, meaning "just now" or "of the present time". The prefix 'post-', from Latin, directly signals a chronological and conceptual succession, positioning postmodernism as the era or movement that comes after modernism. The agent suffix '-ist' specifies a follower or practitioner, thus a 'postmodernist' is literally "one who comes after the modern". The word's logic captures a critical stance, implying not merely a temporal sequence but a deliberate reaction against and departure from the established principles of the modernist movement.
Analysis
Structure: post (after) + modern (recent) + ist (practitioner)
post: Latin origin, meaning "after, behind". A prefix indicating something that comes after in time or sequence.
modern: From Latin modernus (from modo meaning "just now"). An adjective meaning "of the present or recent times".
ist: From Greek -istes (agent noun suffix), via Latin -ista. A suffix forming nouns denoting a person who practices or is concerned with something.
Examples
The building's design is a classic example of postmodernist architecture, blending historical references with contemporary materials.
As a postmodernist, she challenges the notion of objective truth in her literary criticism.
The film uses postmodernist techniques like pastiche and self-referential humor to deconstruct genre conventions.