noun

expressionism

ik-SPRESH-uh-niz-uhm

Quiz me More like this

Expressionism (noun) means an arts movement in which artists represented their inner feelings rather than depicting the world as it objectively appeared. Example: “Expressionism rejected realistic depiction in favour of raw emotion.”

noun

An arts movement in which artists represented their inner feelings rather than depicting the world as it objectively appeared.

"Expressionism rejected realistic depiction in favour of raw emotion."

"The painter's expressionism is clear in his distorted, intense figures."

"Critics describe her paintings as pure expressionism."

A related style found in early twentieth-century music.

"Musical expressionism emerged in the early twentieth century."

"His atonal compositions are often linked to musical expressionism."

How to use expressionism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn artistic style that shows feelings rather than realistic detail.

When to use it

This is a specialist term used in art history and criticism.

Memory tip

Don't confuse expressionism with the similarly spelled impressionism, a different art movement.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

impressionism →

Common pairings

German expressionism abstract expressionism expressionism in art musical expressionism

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like expressionism.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “expressionism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ rejected realistic depiction in favour of raw emotion.

Etymology

Expressionism entered English as a borrowing from the French word expressionnisme, which itself combines expression with the suffix -isme.

Origin: French

Rhymes for expressionism

hedonism antagonism anachronism creationism isolationism impressionism

See all rhymes for expressionism →

Frequently asked questions

What is expressionism?

Expressionism is an arts movement in which artists expressed subjective, inner feelings rather than depicting the world objectively.

Where does the word expressionism come from?

It was borrowed from the French word expressionnisme, formed from expression and the suffix -isme.

Does expressionism apply to music as well as art?

Yes, there is also a related style found in early twentieth-century music.

What is the meaning of expressionism?

"expressionism" (noun) means an arts movement in which artists represented their inner feelings rather than depicting the world as it objectively appeared.