noun
orientalism
Orientalism (noun) means a tendency, especially in 19th-century Europe, to depict Eastern subjects using styles thought to be typical of the East.
noun
1
A tendency, especially in 19th-century Europe, to depict Eastern subjects using styles thought to be typical of the East.
2
A word, expression or custom that comes from the East.
3
A condescending outlook, held in the West, towards societies in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.
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Etymology
From French orientalisme, from oriental ("eastern, Oriental"). The sense "patronizing Western attitude" was popularized by Edward Said's 1978 book Orientalism. It is equivalent to Oriental plus -ism.
Rhymes for orientalism
realism
fatalism
idealism
globalism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
capitalism
liberalism
surrealism
journalism
See all rhymes for orientalism →
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of orientalism?
"orientalism" (noun) means a tendency, especially in 19th-century Europe, to depict Eastern subjects using styles thought to be typical of the East.
What are the different meanings of orientalism?
"orientalism" has 3 main meanings: 1. A tendency, especially in 19th-century Europe, to depict Eastern subjects using styles thought to be typical of the East; 2. A word, expression or custom that comes from the East; 3. A condescending outlook, held in the West, towards societies in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.