Classicalist: meaning, definitions and examples

🏛️
Add to dictionary

classicalist

 

[ˈklæsɪkəlɪst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

study of classical art and literature

A classicalist is a person who specializes in the study of classical art and literature, particularly from ancient Greece and Rome. They are experts in understanding and analyzing the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of classical works.

Synonyms

classicist, scholar of classical studies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
classicalist

Usually, it reflects a person deeply devoted to classical art, literature, and culture, but it's less commonly used and may confuse some people.

  • Margaret has always been a passionate classicalist, never missing an exhibit on ancient Greek art.
  • As a classicalist, John spends hours studying ancient Roman architecture.
classicist

Refers to someone who studies or appreciates the classical cultures of Greece and Rome. Often used in academic or intellectual contexts.

  • Dr. Adams is a renowned classicist whose work on Homeric epics has been widely published.
  • As a classicist, Lily has a deep understanding of Greek mythology and its influence on modern literature.
scholar of classical studies

Specifies an academic who formally studies the literature, philosophy, or history of ancient Greece and Rome. Generally used in an educational or research setting.

  • Professor Roberts is a distinguished scholar of classical studies at the university.
  • During the symposium, several scholars of classical studies presented their latest research on ancient Roman law.

Examples of usage

  • The classicalist gave a lecture on the influence of Greek mythology on Renaissance art.
  • As a classicalist, she spent years studying the works of Plato and Aristotle.
  • The classicalist's research focused on the impact of Roman architecture on modern design.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'classicus,' meaning 'belonging to the highest class.'
  • It evolved to describe those who study the literature, philosophy, and art of classical antiquity.
  • In a broader sense, it reflects a commitment to traditional forms and values.

Education

  • Classicalists often advocate for a liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking and cultural literacy.
  • Many classicalists contribute to debates on educational curriculum, arguing for the importance of classical languages like Latin and Greek.
  • They may also promote reading classic literature as a way to enrich modern understanding.

Art and Music

  • Classical music, which includes composers like Bach and Beethoven, is a central passion for many classicalists.
  • Visual arts, such as sculptures and architecture from ancient times, inspire many contemporary classicalists.
  • Art movements like Neoclassicism are influenced by the timeless principles found in classical works.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle laid foundational ideas that continue to influence Western thought.
  • Classicalists study these thinkers to understand the origins of many modern concepts in ethics, politics, and science.
  • The Socratic method, used in education today, has its roots in classical philosophy.

Cultural Impact

  • Classicalist ideas have significantly influenced modern literature, inspiring various genres and styles.
  • The appreciation for classical ideals can be seen in movements like Romanticism, which sought to evoke stronger emotional responses.
  • Even today, elements from classical culture shape politics and social thought across the globe.

Translations

Translations of the word "classicalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clássico

🇮🇳 शास्त्रीयतावादी

🇩🇪 Klassizist

🇮🇩 klasik

🇺🇦 класичний

🇵🇱 klasycysta

🇯🇵 古典主義者

🇫🇷 classique

🇪🇸 clásico

🇹🇷 klasik

🇰🇷 고전주의자

🇸🇦 كلاسيكي

🇨🇿 klasik

🇸🇰 klasik

🇨🇳 古典主义者

🇸🇮 klasik

🇮🇸 klassískur

🇰🇿 классик

🇬🇪 კლასიცისტი

🇦🇿 klassik

🇲🇽 clásico