Vocabulary word Postmodernism - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Doctrine and Utopian

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High School 6

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SAT 5 (Scholastic Assessment Test)

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Suffix -ism

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Dictionary Definition of postmodernism

A philosophical and cultural movement that challenges the dominant notions of objective truth, grand narratives, and fixed meanings.
"The postmodern movement embraces subjectivity and multiple perspectives."

Detailed Meaning of Postmodernism

It emphasizes the subjectivity of experience, the plurality of perspectives, and the relativity of knowledge. Postmodernism rejects the idea of universal truths and instead focuses on the social and historical contexts that shape our understanding of reality. It embraces a fragmented and decentralized view of knowledge, embracing the idea that meaning is constructed through language, discourse, and cultural practices. Postmodernism often incorporates irony, pastiche, and self-reflexivity in its artistic expressions. It also questions established hierarchies and power structures, challenging traditional notions of authority and identity. Postmodernism encourages critical thinking, skepticism towards metanarratives, and a recognition of the complexities and ambiguities of the human experience.

Example Sentences for Postmodernism

1. Postmodernism is a complex movement that emerged in the mid-20th century.
2. The architecture in the city's center is a fantastic representation of postmodernism.
3. His dissertation focused on the role of postmodernism in contemporary literature.
4. Postmodernism often challenges traditional concepts of authorship and originality.
5. Some argue that the internet has fostered a new form of postmodernism.
6. This novel's fragmented narrative and self-reflexivity clearly show the influence of postmodernism.

Origin and Etymology of Postmodernism

The noun 'postmodernism' is a term that emerged in the mid-20th century to describe a complex philosophical and cultural movement. Its etymology is a fusion of two key components: 'post-' and 'modernism.' 'Post-' is a prefix derived from Latin, meaning 'after' or 'beyond,' while 'modernism' refers to the modernist movement that dominated the early 20th century. Modernism itself stems from the Latin 'modernus,' signifying 'modern' or 'contemporary.' The addition of 'post-' to 'modernism' in 'postmodernism' signifies a movement that emerged after, or in response to, the principles and ideals of modernism. Postmodernism challenges the dominant notions of objective truth, grand narratives, and fixed meanings, emphasizing a departure from the certainties of the modernist era. The etymology of 'postmodernism' reflects its position as a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the wake of, and in contrast to, the modernist worldview.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun postmodernism:

conventionalism

traditionalism

relativism

absolutism

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More Usage Examples of Postmodernism

1. She is an avid reader and follower of postmodernism philosophy.
2. Postmodernism has left an undeniable mark on the landscape of contemporary art.
3. Many claim that postmodernism is a reaction against the formal certainty of modernism.
4. His perspective on postmodernism is refreshingly unique and engaging.
5. We discussed the implications of postmodernism in our sociology class today.
6. Postmodernism has significantly influenced the way we view and interpret history.
7. The museum dedicated an entire section to the rise and influence of postmodernism.
8. She wrote a research paper on postmodernism and its impact on film.
9. The band's album was a perfect musical depiction of postmodernism.
10. Critics suggest that postmodernism may have fostered a sense of cynicism and disillusionment.
11. The lecture provided an insightful overview of postmodernism in the 21st century.
12. Postmodernism often encourages a questioning of the universal truths and grand narratives.
13. His recent sculptures blend elements of postmodernism with classical aesthetics.
14. The undercurrents of postmodernism can be felt in the current political discourse.