Exoticism: meaning, definitions and examples

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exoticism

 

[ ษชษกหˆzษ’tษชsษชzm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

art and culture

Exoticism refers to the representation of the exotic, often encompassing elements that are perceived as strange or foreign to a particular culture. It is a concept frequently used in art, literature, and music, where it describes the fascination with the unusual characteristics of distant lands and cultures. This can manifest in the use of foreign motifs, themes, or styles to create an allure of mystery and adventure. Exoticism often highlights cultural differences, but it can also lead to stereotyping and misrepresentation of the cultures being depicted.

Synonyms

foreignness, novelty, otherness, strangeness

Examples of usage

  • The painting features elements of exoticism with its bright colors and unusual subjects.
  • Her novel is steeped in exoticism, transporting readers to a faraway land.
  • Exoticism was a prominent theme in 19th-century European art.
  • The music incorporated exoticism of Eastern melodies.

Translations

Translations of the word "exoticism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น exotismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคตเคฟเคฆเฅ‡เคถเฅ€เคชเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Exotismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ eksotisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะตะบะทะพั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ekzotyzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚จใ‚ญใ‚พใƒ†ใ‚ฃใ‚ทใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท exotisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ exotismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท egzotizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด๊ตญ์ ์ž„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบู…ูˆุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ exotismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ exotizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅผ‚ๅ›ฝๆƒ…่ฐƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ekzotizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ exรณtismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบะทะพั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ekzotizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ exotismo

Word origin

The term 'exoticism' derives from the French word 'exotique,' which traces back to the Latin 'exoticus,' meaning 'from outside'. First used in the early 19th century, the word indicates a fascination with the unfamiliar and the allure of foreign cultures. During the colonial period, Western artists and writers began to romanticize the cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, often portraying them through a lens tinted with stereotypes and exaggerations. Exoticism became a significant theme in art movements such as Orientalism, where Western artists romantically represented Eastern societies. Though the appreciation for cultural differences is a key aspect of exoticism, it often intersects with issues of power dynamics and representation, leading to complex discussions about authenticity and cultural appropriation. Over time, the concept has evolved, and contemporary critiques examine how exoticism can perpetuate colonial attitudes and misrepresent the cultures it seeks to celebrate.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,224 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.