Zeitgeist: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from German, where 'zeit' means 'time' and 'geist' means 'spirit'.
• It was first used in the early 19th century during discussions about philosophy and culture.
• Unlike the direct translation, it encompasses cultural, social, and economic factors of a time.

Historical Context

• The term was popularized by philosophers like Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who believed culture is shaped by the spirit of the time.
• The term gained traction in various European revolutions, reflecting the collective consciousness of social movements.
• It is often used to describe the mood of the 1960s, characterized by counterculture and social change.

Pop Culture

• It appears in music, films, and literature to capture or critique the prevailing emotions and attitudes of different eras.
• Many contemporary songs reference the zeitgeist to discuss the state of society and current trends.
• The concept was explored in films like 'The Matrix', representing a shift in viewer perception and reality.

Psychology

• Psychologists study the zeitgeist to understand societal behaviors, especially during major changes.
• Shared experiences during historical events can create a collective memory that defines a generation's outlook.
• The feelings and ideologies during a specific era can shape societal values and influence future generations.

Art and Literature

• Artists and writers often reflect the zeitgeist in their work, showcasing the thoughts and feelings of their time.
• Movements like Modernism and Postmodernism were responses to the zeitgeist of the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
• Literature from major periods often serves as a mirror, revealing the moral and social sentiments of its era.

Ranking #36,336, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 36333 bashfully
• 36334 reverser
• 36335 scarifying
• 36336 zeitgeist
• 36337 mispronounced
• 36338 bazooka
• 36339 ricocheting
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