Preciosity Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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preciosity
[prɛˈʃɒsɪti ]
Definition
refinement, delicacy
Preciosity refers to an excessive refinement or elegance of language, behavior, or art. It often implies an affected or ostentatious quality, where individuals place undue emphasis on refinement and rarity, sometimes at the cost of natural simplicity or authenticity. This term is frequently used in the context of literature or art, particularly to critique works that are overly ornate or pretentious. Preciosity can lead to a disconnection from everyday communication and can be seen as elitist.
Synonyms
elegance, ostentation, pretentiousness, refinement.
Examples of usage
- The preciosity of her writing style alienated many readers.
- His preciosity in speech made conversations feel forced.
- The preciosity of the artwork was both admired and criticized.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, preciosity often refers to an excessive use of elaborate or affected language, seen in the writings of the 17th-century French 'précieux'.
- Writers such as Molière mocked preciosity in their plays, highlighting how over-elaboration can lead to absurdity.
- The term is linked with the 'précieuses', a group of literary women in France who promoted a refined way of speaking and writing.
Art and Culture
- Preciosity can be observed in the Baroque art period, where artists paid great attention to intricate details in their works.
- Certain fashion movements often fall into preciosity, showcasing clothing that is overly detailed or unnecessarily elaborate.
- In contemporary culture, some critics argue that social media platforms promote a form of preciosity through overly curated representations of life.
Psychology
- People exhibiting preciosity may do so as a coping mechanism, attempting to achieve perfection to control their environment.
- This tendency can lead to anxiety, as the pursuit of perfection often causes stress and dissatisfaction.
- In relationships, a preciosity approach can create challenges, as individuals are preoccupied with appearances rather than authentic connections.
Pop Culture
- Preciosity is often featured in comedic contexts, where characters who take themselves too seriously are portrayed as pretentious.
- In the realm of culinary arts, some fine dining experiences lean into preciosity by focusing on extravagant plating and rare ingredients.
- The 'cool kid' trend in high school often reflects a form of preciosity, with emphasis on brand names and social status rather than genuine interaction.
Origin of 'preciosity'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the French 'précieux', meaning precious or valuable, which shows its roots in valuing detail.
- It began to be used in English during the 17th century, during a time when extravagance in language and manners was celebrated.
- The suffix '-ity' adds a state or condition to the original term, turning 'precious' into a quality.
The term 'preciosity' originates from the French word 'précieux', meaning 'precious' or 'fine'. It became prominent in the English language in the late 17th century, during the time of the précieuses, a group of French women who emphasized the cultivation of taste, language, and manners in their salons. These women advocated for a form of wit and subtlety in conversation and literature, which often came off as meticulous and sometimes excessively ornate. This notion garnered both admiration and criticism; while it was celebrated for its contribution to the arts and culture, it was also seen as a departure from authenticity and substance. Consequently, 'preciosity' evolved to embody both the positive aspects of refinement and the negative associations of affectedness, often being used in critical discourse about art and literature.