Realism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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realism
[หrษชษหlษชzษm ]
Definitions
literature
Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the 19th century, focusing on depicting everyday life and society as it truly is, without idealization or exaggeration. Realist writers often explore the struggles of ordinary people and address social issues.
Synonyms
authenticity, naturalism, verisimilitude.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| realism |
Used when discussing art, literature, or philosophy that aims to represent subjects truthfully without artificiality.
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| naturalism |
Used when referring to a style in philosophy, literature, or art that seeks to depict life accurately and in a detailed, often scientific manner.
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| verisimilitude |
Used when discussing the appearance of being true or real, often in art or literature.
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| authenticity |
Used when emphasizing the genuine or original quality of something, often in relation to personal experiences or objects.
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Examples of usage
- The novel is praised for its realism, portraying the harsh realities of life in the city.
- Her paintings are known for their realism and attention to detail.
art
In art, realism refers to the accurate and detailed representation of the visual world, often emphasizing the everyday and mundane. Realist artists strive to capture the essence of their subjects in a lifelike manner.
Synonyms
naturalism, representationalism, verismo.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| realism |
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.
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| naturalism |
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.
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| representationalism |
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.
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| verismo |
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.
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Examples of usage
- The realism of this painting is striking, with every detail meticulously rendered.
- His sculptures are praised for their realism and emotional depth.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Art
- The art movement called realism started in the mid-19th century, focusing on ordinary people and everyday scenes instead of fancy or heroic subjects.
- Famous realist painters such as Gustave Courbet and รdouard Manet sought to depict the struggles of common folk, capturing their lives with honesty.
- Realism often used everyday characters and situations to tell deeper truths about society, challenging the established norms of romantic and idealized art.
Literature
- In literature, realism emerged as a reaction against romanticism, as authors began to portray characters and events in a more truthful, relatable way.
- Writers like Leo Tolstoy and Gustave Flaubert were key figures in the realism literary movement, emphasizing detailed descriptions and character development.
- Realist literature often explores social issues and the psychological motivations of characters, reflecting the complexities of life more authentically.
Philosophy
- In philosophy, realism refers to the belief that the world exists independently of our perception; things are real even if we can't see or understand them.
- Philosophical realism contrasts with idealism, which suggests that reality is mentally constructed or immaterial, influencing debates in various fields, including science and ethics.
- Realism in philosophy underpins many scientific theories, asserting that theories are true only if they correspond to the actual state of the world.
History
- The term 'realism' in social and political contexts often emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing observation, logic, and empirical evidence over traditions or beliefs.
- Realism was a significant movement across various disciplines as societies shifted toward valuing evidence and experience during periods of industrialization and modernization.
- Revolutionary ideas in realism helped reshape the understanding of personal experience and societal concerns, forming the groundwork for modern sociopolitical thought.
Psychology
- Realism plays a vital role in psychological practices, especially in therapeutic approaches that focus on truthful self-reflection and acknowledgment of one's circumstances.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy often emphasizes accepting reality as a critical step in addressing mental health issues, helping individuals distinguish between perception and reality.
- The concept of realism is also examined in studies of decision-making, where understanding true risks and outcomes can lead to better choices and behaviors.
Origin of 'realism'
The term 'realism' originated from the French word 'rรฉalisme' in the 19th century, when it was first used to describe a new approach to literature and art that sought to represent reality as it is. Realism was a reaction against the romanticism of the previous era, focusing on the objective and unembellished portrayal of everyday life. The movement had a significant impact on literature, art, and philosophy, influencing the works of many renowned artists and writers.
See also: real, realistic, realistically, reality, realize, really, realtor, surreal, unreal, unrealised, unrealistic, unrealistically, unrealizable, unrealized, unrealness.