Bohemian: meaning, definitions and examples

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bohemian

[bəʊˈhiː.mi.ən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

lifestyle

Relating to or characteristic of unconventional and artistic people, especially those who live an alternative lifestyle.

Synonyms

artistic, free-spirited, unconventional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bohemian	Used to describe someone who lives an unconventional lifestyle, often associated with a love for art, music, and literature, and not bound by standard societal norms. She decorated her apartment in a bohemian style, with colorful rugs, vintage furniture, and eclectic art pieces. Their bohemian lifestyle involved traveling from city to city, playing music on the streets and living in the moment.
artistic	Used to describe someone who is creative and skilled in the arts, such as painting, drawing, music, or other forms of artistic expression. He has always been artistic, spending hours drawing sketches and painting canvases. Her artistic talents are evident in the beautifully detailed costumes she designs for theater productions.
unconventional	Used to describe someone or something that does not conform to traditional or typical ways of thinking or behaving, often innovative or different. Her unconventional approach to education includes using outdoor adventures to teach science and history. They had an unconventional wedding, choosing to get married in a forest with only a handful of close friends as witnesses.
free-spirited	Used to describe someone who is independent, carefree, and resists conforming to conventional expectations or societal norms. She is a free-spirited traveler, exploring remote places and making friends wherever she goes. His free-spirited nature led him to leave a corporate job and start his own business, living life on his own terms.

Examples of usage

She embraced a bohemian lifestyle, living in a quirky artist's loft.
His bohemian fashion sense always turned heads.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A socially unconventional person, especially one who is involved in the arts.

Synonyms

artist, creative, nonconformist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bohemian	Use 'bohemian' when describing someone who leads an unconventional lifestyle, often in the arts, or someone who does not follow societal norms. This term often relates to a free-spirited, care-free attitude. She furnished her apartment with a bohemian style that reflects her artistic personality. The bohemian community often gathers at that coffee shop to discuss new ideas.
artist	Use 'artist' when referring to someone who creates art, whether it be visual arts, music, literature, or other creative fields. It emphasizes the professional and creative aspects. The artist painted a beautiful mural on the wall of the community center. She is a talented artist who specializes in watercolor paintings.
nonconformist	Use 'nonconformist' when talking about someone who does not conform to established customs, attitudes, or ideas. It often has a slightly rebellious connotation. As a nonconformist, she refused to follow the traditional career path expected by her family. The band's nonconformist approach to music has earned them a cult following.
creative	Use 'creative' to describe someone who has a talent for generating original ideas or who employs imaginative thinking in their work or everyday life. It is more general than 'artist' and not necessarily tied to a professional occupation. He has always been very creative, coming up with unique solutions to problems. Her creative writing skills earned her a place in the national competition.

Examples of usage

The cafe was filled with bohemians discussing poetry and philosophy.
She was known in the community as a bohemian artist.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'bohemian' originally referred to people from the historical region of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, but it came to symbolize artists and writers living outside mainstream society.
In the 19th century, it became associated with a lifestyle characterized by artistic pursuits, often marked by poverty and nonconformity.
Notable bohemian communities were found in Paris during the 1800s, where artists, writers, and musicians gathered, significantly influencing culture.

Literature

The bohemian lifestyle features prominently in the works of authors like Henry Murger, whose stories about Parisian artists popularized the term.
The famous opera 'La Bohème' by Giacomo Puccini tells the romantic yet tragedy-filled story of a group of struggling bohemian artists in Paris.
The 'Beat Generation' writers in the 1950s, like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg, were often identified as modern-day bohemians, advocating for free expression and alternative lifestyles.

Fashion

Bohemian fashion is known for its relaxed, layered styles, often incorporating vintage pieces, flowing fabrics, and ethnic prints.
Festival culture, such as Coachella, has contributed to the modern perception of bohemian style, with many attendees embracing floral crowns, fringe, and vibrant colors.
The trend celebrates individuality and often merges various cultural influences, showcasing a blend of hippie, gypsy, and folk aesthetics.

Art and Culture

Bohemian artists often reject traditional artistic conventions, experimenting with new forms and expressions to reflect their views on society.
The spirit of bohemianism encourages collaboration and community, fostering environments like artist collectives where creative sharing is paramount.
The influence of the bohemian lifestyle can be seen in major art movements such as Impressionism and Surrealism, which often challenged the status quo.

Psychology

Embracing a bohemian lifestyle can often be a response to societal pressures, reflecting a desire for authenticity and self-expression over material success.
Research shows that people who live creatively and embrace unconventional lifestyles tend to exhibit higher levels of happiness and fulfillment.
The concept of the 'social artist' merges artistic practice with social responsibility, a notion rooted in the bohemian tradition of art for personal and social change.

Translations

Translations of the word "bohemian" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boêmio

🇮🇳 बोहेमियन

🇩🇪 Böhmisch

🇮🇩 Bohemia

🇺🇦 богемний

🇵🇱 bohemski

🇯🇵 ボヘミアン

🇫🇷 bohémien

🇪🇸 bohemio

🇹🇷 bohem

🇰🇷 보헤미안

🇸🇦 بوهيمي

🇨🇿 bohémský

🇸🇰 bohémsky

🇨🇳 波希米亚人

🇸🇮 boemski

🇮🇸 bóhemskur

🇰🇿 богемдік

🇬🇪 ბოჰემური

🇦🇿 bohem

🇲🇽 bohemio