Romanticism - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

artistic movement

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized intense emotion as an authentic source of aesthetic experience, placing new emphasis on such emotions as apprehension, horror and terror, and awe—especially that experienced in confronting the sublimity of untamed nature. It elevated folk art, language, and custom, as well as arguing for an epistemology based on intuition rather than reason.

Synonyms

romantic movement, romantic period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
romanticism	Use when referring to the broader philosophical and cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Romanticism valued the expression of emotion and the appreciation of nature Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' is an example of literature influenced by romanticism
romantic movement	Best used when highlighting the specific collective effort and activities of artists, writers, and thinkers during the romantic era. The romantic movement in literature brought forth celebrated poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge The romantic movement also impacted art and music profoundly
romantic period	Typically used to describe the historical time frame, specifically the late 18th to early 19th centuries, in which romanticism flourished. The romantic period marked significant changes in how people viewed art and literature During the romantic period, there was a shift towards more expressive and emotional works

Word

Description / Examples

romanticism

Use when referring to the broader philosophical and cultural movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and nature during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Romanticism valued the expression of emotion and the appreciation of nature
Mary Shelley's novel 'Frankenstein' is an example of literature influenced by romanticism

romantic movement

Best used when highlighting the specific collective effort and activities of artists, writers, and thinkers during the romantic era.

The romantic movement in literature brought forth celebrated poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge
The romantic movement also impacted art and music profoundly

romantic period

Typically used to describe the historical time frame, specifically the late 18th to early 19th centuries, in which romanticism flourished.

The romantic period marked significant changes in how people viewed art and literature
During the romantic period, there was a shift towards more expressive and emotional works

Examples of usage

Romanticism in literature often focused on themes of nature, imagination, and individualism.
The Romantic movement in music produced many masterpieces that are still celebrated today.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

Emerging in the late 18th century, this movement reacted against the order and reason of the Enlightenment.
It started mainly in Europe, where artists and writers began focusing more on feelings and nature.
The Industrial Revolution also influenced this movement, as many sought to escape the harsh realities of urban life.

Literature

Authors like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge emphasized personal feelings and the beauty of nature in their poetry.
Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' is often considered one of the first works of science fiction, highlighting ideas of individualism and inner turmoil that are central to romanticism.
The exploration of the sublime, a complex emotional experience of awe and terror, is a key theme in romantic literature.

Art

Romantic painters like J.M.W. Turner and Caspar David Friedrich portrayed dramatic landscapes to evoke emotions and highlight the power of nature.
This artistic movement often depicted heroic individuals, nature's beauty, and exotic places, celebrating human imagination.
Music composers such as Chopin and Liszt infused their works with deep emotion, signaling a shift toward expressing individual feelings through melodies.

Philosophy

Romantic thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of personal experience and emotions over rationalism.
The belief in the noble savage and the idea that humanity is inherently good, corrupted by society, were significant themes during this period.
Many philosophies promoted a connection with nature as essential for understanding oneself and achieving happiness.

Impact and Legacy

Romanticism laid the groundwork for various modern movements, including existentialism and symbolism, in literature and art.
The ideals of this movement continue to influence contemporary art and literature, focusing on personal expression and emotional depth.
It inspired the conservation movement, as increased appreciation for nature prompted efforts to preserve natural landscapes.

Origin of 'romanticism'

The term 'Romanticism' was first used in the late 18th century to describe new ideas in literature and the arts. It was a reaction against the Enlightenment and a rejection of the rational and formal ideals of that movement. Romanticism valued emotion, intuition, and the beauty of nature. It had a profound impact on art, literature, and music throughout the 19th century and beyond.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,771, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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18768 cornered
18769 castration
18770 retaliatory
18771 romanticism
18772 calming
18773 congregate
18774 murky
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Romanticism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations