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Zeitgeist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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zeitgeist

[หˆzaษชtหŒษกaษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

cultural spirit

The term 'zeitgeist' refers to the spirit or mood of a particular period in history as reflected in the ideas and beliefs of the time. It often encompasses the intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era. Understanding the zeitgeist can provide insights into the influences that shape art, literature, and social movements during that period.

Synonyms

cultural climate, mood of the age, spirit of the time.

Examples of usage

  • The zeitgeist of the 1960s was marked by counterculture and political activism.
  • His works capture the zeitgeist of the modern digital age.
  • The film reflects the zeitgeist of post-war America.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'zeitgeist'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'zeitgeist' is of German origin, derived from the words 'Zeit', meaning 'time', and 'Geist', meaning 'spirit' or 'ghost'. It entered the English language in the early 20th century, initially being used in philosophical discussions to describe the essence of an age characterized by a dominant thought or cultural orientation. The concept became particularly influential during the period of German Idealism and later in Romanticism, as thinkers sought to understand and articulate the values and beliefs that defined their time. In contemporary use, 'zeitgeist' is often associated with movements in art, literature, and social commentary, reflecting how cultural phenomena resonate with the prevailing attitudes and concerns of a society at a specific point in history.

Word Frequency Rank

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.