impressionism
ihm-PREH-shuh-nih-zuhm
Impressionism (noun) means a 19th-century art movement focused on capturing light, colour, and fleeting moments using visible, loose brushstrokes. Example: “Monet's water lily paintings are among the most famous works of impressionism.”
noun
1
A 19th-century art movement focused on capturing light, colour, and fleeting moments using visible, loose brushstrokes.
"Monet's water lily paintings are among the most famous works of impressionism."
2
A related style in music or literature that favours mood and suggestion over precise, traditional structure.
"Debussy's music is often linked to impressionism for its dreamy, atmospheric quality."
How to use impressionism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn art movement (and related styles in music and writing) built around capturing an overall feeling or fleeting moment rather than precise realistic detail.
Common pairings
French impressionism
impressionism movement
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Word forms
- Plural
- impressionisms
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Monet's water lily paintings are among the most famous works of _____.
Etymology
From French impressionnisme, named (originally mockingly) after Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise."
Rhymes for impressionism
See all rhymes for impressionism →Frequently asked questions
What does “impressionism” mean?
The word “impressionism” means a 19th-century art movement focused on capturing light, colour, and fleeting moments using visible, loose brushstrokes. In plain terms, an art movement (and related styles in music and writing) built around capturing an overall feeling or fleeting moment rather than precise realistic detail.
How do you pronounce “impressionism”?
“Impressionism” is pronounced ihm-PREH-shuh-nih-zuhm (/ɪmˈpɹɛʃənɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “impressionism” in a sentence?
Here is “impressionism” used in a sentence: “Monet's water lily paintings are among the most famous works of impressionism.”
What part of speech is “impressionism”?
“Impressionism” is a noun.
Where does the word “impressionism” come from?
The word “impressionism” comes from French. From French impressionnisme, named (originally mockingly) after Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise.".
How many meanings does “impressionism” have?
“Impressionism” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a 19th-century art movement focused on capturing light, colour, and fleeting moments using visible, loose brushstrokes.
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