noun
impressionism
ihm-PREH-shuh-nih-zuhm
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
Word Forms
impressionisms plural
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Etymology
From French impressionnisme, named (originally mockingly) after Monet's painting "Impression, Sunrise."