Realism: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when discussing art, literature, or philosophy that aims to represent subjects truthfully without artificiality.

• The novel's realism made it hard to put down
• The director's realism in the movie brought the characters to life

Used when referring to a style in philosophy, literature, or art that seeks to depict life accurately and in a detailed, often scientific manner.

• The naturalism in his writing gave a stark portrayal of urban life
• The artist's naturalism captured the essence of the landscape

Used when discussing the appearance of being true or real, often in art or literature.

• The film's verisimilitude made audiences believe in the extraordinary events
• The play achieved a high level of verisimilitude in its depiction of Victorian London

Used when emphasizing the genuine or original quality of something, often in relation to personal experiences or objects.

• Her authenticity in describing her journey inspired many people
• The antique dealer praised the painting for its authenticity

This word is often used to describe a focus on depicting things as they are, without embellishment or idealization, in various forms of art and literature.

• The novel is praised for its realism in portraying the struggles of the working class.
• Her paintings are known for their stark realism and attention to detail.

This term is typically used in literature and art to emphasize an even more scientific and accurate depiction of reality than realism, often focusing on the darker or more brutal aspects of life.

• Naturalism in literature often examines the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
• The movie's naturalism portrays the harsh realities of life in an unflinching manner.

This word is mainly used in philosophical contexts to suggest that the mind represents the world in a certain way, and in art to describe works that depict recognizable subjects.

• In art, representationalism involves creating images that are clearly derived from real objects.
• The philosophy of representationalism posits that our mental images represent the external world.

Commonly used in music and literature, especially opera, to indicate a style that seeks to depict everyday life in a realistic manner, often focusing on the lives of common people.

• Verismo opera often depicts intense emotional situations and realistic settings.
• The verismo movement in literature emerged as a response to romantic idealization.