Postmodern: meaning, definitions and examples

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postmodern

 

[ poʊstˈmɔrdən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

art, literature, culture

Postmodern refers to a style or movement that emerged in the mid-20th century as a reaction against the principles of modernism. It is characterized by a general suspicion of grand narratives and ideologies, embracing instead irony, playfulness, and a mix of styles and ideas. In art and literature, postmodernism often employs self-referentiality and intertextuality, blurring the boundaries between high and low culture. It questions the very nature of reality and representation, leading to a more fragmented and decentralized approach to meaning.

Synonyms

contemporary, eclectic, ironic

Examples of usage

  • Postmodern architecture challenges traditional design.
  • Many postmodern novels play with narrative structure.
  • The postmodern era sees a questioning of authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "postmodern" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pós-moderno

🇮🇳 पोस्टमॉडर्न

🇩🇪 postmodern

🇮🇩 postmodern

🇺🇦 постмодерний

🇵🇱 postmodernistyczny

🇯🇵 ポストモダン

🇫🇷 postmoderne

🇪🇸 posmoderno

🇹🇷 postmodern

🇰🇷 포스트모더니즘

🇸🇦 ما بعد الحداثة

🇨🇿 postmoderní

🇸🇰 postmoderný

🇨🇳 后现代

🇸🇮 postmodernizem

🇮🇸 póstmódern

🇰🇿 постмодерн

🇬🇪 პოსტმოდერნიზმი

🇦🇿 postmodern

🇲🇽 posmoderno

Word origin

The term 'postmodern' began to appear in the mid-20th century, primarily in the fields of architecture and literature. Initially, it was used to describe structures and styles that defied the strict rules of modernism, which was dominant in the early 20th century. The prefix 'post-' indicates an era that follows and reacts to, modernism’s ideals of rationality, progress, and the belief in a singular narrative. Key figures such as Jean-François Lyotard and Jacques Derrida were instrumental in shaping postmodern thought, particularly in philosophy and critical theory. The movement gained momentum in the late 1960s and 1970s, expanding into various disciplines, including visual arts, music, and cultural studies. Today, postmodernism is seen as a complex and often contentious framework through which contemporary culture is analyzed.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,061, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.