noun
postmodernism
pohst-MOD-uh-niz-um
Postmodernism (noun) means any style in art, architecture, literature or philosophy that reacts against an earlier modernist movement. Example: “The building is a well-known example of postmodernism in architecture.”
noun
1
Any style in art, architecture, literature or philosophy that reacts against an earlier modernist movement.
"The building is a well-known example of postmodernism in architecture."
"Her novels are often linked with postmodernism."
"The course covers modernism and postmodernism in literature."
2
An attitude of scepticism or irony towards modernist ideas, often questioning reason and the idea of objective truth.
"Postmodernism challenges the idea that there is a single objective truth."
"He wrote an essay on postmodernism and its doubts about reason."
How to use postmodernism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of thinking and creating that pushes back against modernism.
When to use it
It is mostly academic or cultural-criticism vocabulary.
Common pairings
postmodernism in architecture
postmodernism and modernism
literary postmodernism
theory of postmodernism
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The building is a well-known example of _____ in architecture.
Etymology
The word was formed in English from the prefix post- and modernism.
Frequently asked questions
What is postmodernism?
It is a style or attitude that reacts against modernism. It often shows scepticism or irony and questions the idea of objective truth.
What is the difference between modernism and postmodernism?
Postmodernism reacts against an earlier modernist movement. It tends to question modernist assumptions rather than accept them.
Is postmodernism countable?
It is usually uncountable, though the plural postmodernisms exists.
What is the meaning of postmodernism?
"postmodernism" (noun) means any style in art, architecture, literature or philosophy that reacts against an earlier modernist movement.
