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Naturalism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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naturalism

[ˈnætʃərəˌlɪzəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

literature

Naturalism is a literary movement that emphasizes realism and the depiction of life as it is, without idealization or romanticism. It often focuses on the harsh realities of society, including poverty, violence, and other aspects of human existence.

Synonyms

objectivity, realism, verisimilitude.

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Word Description / Examples
naturalism

Naturalism is often used in art and literature to describe a style that tries to represent subjects as they are, without idealization. It focuses on everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and detail.

  • The author's naturalism is evident in her detailed description of the urban landscape.
  • The painter's naturalism brought a true-to-life representation of the countryside.
realism

Realism is used to depict subjects in a way that is true to life, often eschewing romanticization. It is common in art, literature, and cinema.

  • The movie was praised for its gritty realism.
  • Her novel is a work of realism, capturing the struggles of daily life.
verisimilitude

Verisimilitude is used to discuss the appearance of being true or real, often in fiction, film, and art. The focus is on making the portrayal believable to the audience.

  • The film's verisimilitude made the story more engaging and convincing.
  • The author worked hard to achieve verisimilitude in her historical novel.
objectivity

Objectivity is used in situations that require impartiality and fairness, often in journalism, science, and research. It means not being influenced by personal feelings or biases.

  • The scientist approached the experiment with complete objectivity.
  • Journalists must maintain objectivity while reporting the news.

Examples of usage

  • His novel was a prime example of naturalism, portraying the struggles of working-class individuals in a gritty urban setting.
  • The naturalism of the story brought to light the raw emotions and struggles of the characters.
  • The author's naturalistic approach to storytelling captured the essence of everyday life in a raw and unfiltered manner.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'naturalism'

The term 'naturalism' originated in the late 19th century as a literary movement that emerged in response to romanticism. Naturalist writers sought to portray life as it truly was, often focusing on the darker aspects of society. The movement was influenced by scientific theories of the time, particularly Darwinism. Naturalism remains a significant literary genre, known for its stark realism and unflinching portrayal of human existence.

See also: naturalist, naturalistic, naturalize, naturalness, supernatural, unnatural, unnaturally.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,934, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.