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. Example: “The film captured the zeitgeist of the late nineties better than any documentary.”
How to Use Zeitgeist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe general mood and ideas of a particular time.
Journalistic and literary; common in reviews and cultural commentary but slightly showy in casual speech. Usually takes the definite article.
It is almost always "the zeitgeist", singular — a plural is very rare.
Trace the full origin ↓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".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for zeitgeist
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.
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