noun

zeitgeist

TSYTE-gyste

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Zeitgeist (noun) means the defining mood, set of ideas and preoccupations of a particular period in history, as shown in its culture, politics and everyday attitudes. Example: “The film captured the zeitgeist of the late nineties better than any documentary.”

noun

The defining mood, set of ideas and preoccupations of a particular period in history, as shown in its culture, politics and everyday attitudes.

"The film captured the zeitgeist of the late nineties better than any documentary."

"Anxiety about automation has entered the zeitgeist."

How to use zeitgeist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe general mood and ideas of a particular time.

When to use it

Journalistic and literary; common in reviews and cultural commentary but slightly showy in casual speech. Usually takes the definite article.

Memory tip

It is almost always "the zeitgeist", singular — a plural is very rare.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

ethos → zeitgeber gestalt → milieu →

Common pairings

capture the zeitgeist the zeitgeist of the era tap into the zeitgeist enter the zeitgeist

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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 “zeitgeist” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film captured the _____ of the late nineties better than any documentary.

Etymology

From German Zeit "time" and Geist "spirit", literally "spirit of the time".

Origin: German

Synonyms

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spirit of the age mood climate temper of the times ethos

Related words

feeling climate mode atmosphere decline mood courage emotion

Rhymes for zeitgeist

heist theist Kleist ableist atheist poltergeist

See all rhymes for zeitgeist →

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce zeitgeist?

TSYTE-gyste. The initial z is said as "ts" in the German manner, and both vowels rhyme with "eye". English speakers who say ZYTE-gyste are also widely understood.

What is the difference between zeitgeist and culture?

Culture is the whole body of a society's practices, art and beliefs, and changes slowly. Zeitgeist is narrower and more temporary: the particular mood and set of concerns of one moment, which the next decade may not share.

Can something "capture the zeitgeist"?

Yes — that is the phrase's most common use. It means a book, film, song or slogan expresses exactly what people were feeling and worrying about at the time it appeared.

What is the meaning of zeitgeist?

"zeitgeist" (noun) means the defining mood, set of ideas and preoccupations of a particular period in history, as shown in its culture, politics and everyday attitudes.

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