Surrealistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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surrealistic

 

[ səˈrɪəˌlɪstɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

art movement

Surrealistic refers to a style of art and literature that seeks to challenge the conventional perception of reality by juxtaposing bizarre, dream-like images and events. It aims to unlock the unconscious mind and reveal the irrational aspects of human existence. The surrealistic approach often involves unexpected combinations and illogical scenes.

Synonyms

dreamlike, fantastic, unreal

Examples of usage

  • The surrealistic paintings of Salvador Dalí are famous for their dream-like qualities.
  • Many surrealistic writers draw inspiration from their dreams.
  • Surrealistic films often leave audiences questioning what is real.

Translations

Translations of the word "surrealistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 surrealista

🇮🇳 सूर्रियलिस्टिक

🇩🇪 surrealistisch

🇮🇩 surealis

🇺🇦 сюрреалістичний

🇵🇱 surrealistyczny

🇯🇵 シュルレアリスティック

🇫🇷 surréaliste

🇪🇸 surrealista

🇹🇷 sürrealist

🇰🇷 초현실주의적인

🇸🇦 سوريالي

🇨🇿 surrealistický

🇸🇰 surrealistický

🇨🇳 超现实主义的

🇸🇮 surorealističen

🇮🇸 súrrealískur

🇰🇿 сюрреалистік

🇬🇪 სიურეალისტური

🇦🇿 sürrealist

🇲🇽 surrealista

Word origin

The term 'surrealistic' derives from 'surrealism', which itself combines the prefix 'sur-' (meaning 'beyond') with 'realism'. Surrealism began as an artistic and literary movement in the early 20th century, characterized by the work of artists and writers who sought to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind. The movement emerged in the aftermath of World War I amidst a backdrop of societal disillusionment, and artists such as André Breton and Salvador Dalí became key figures in promoting the surrealist ideology. The word 'surrealism' was coined by poet Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917, but it wasn't until the 1920s that the movement gained significant momentum. Surrealism sought to challenge traditional art forms, embracing spontaneous and often irrational imagery, and its influence extended beyond visual arts to literature, cinema, and even philosophy, making 'surrealistic' a defining descriptor for various expressions that transcend realism.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,912 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.