Bohemian: meaning, definitions and examples

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bohemian

 

[ bəʊˈhiː.mi.ən ]

Adjective / Noun
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.

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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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The term 'bohemian' originated in the early 19th century to describe artists and writers who led unconventional lives. It was initially associated with the Romani people of Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic. Over time, the word evolved to represent a free-spirited and artistic lifestyle, often characterized by a rejection of traditional societal norms.