Aestheticism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the 19th century. It is characterized by the emphasis on beauty and the pursuit of pleasure and sensual experience. Aestheticism celebrates art and beauty for their own sake, without any moral or social purpose. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aestheticism, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Aestheticism is a term that has been defined in various ways. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, aestheticism is “the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and should be applied to all aspects of human life.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a doctrine that the principles of beauty and artistic taste are a key to the meaning of life.” In general, aestheticism can be defined as a philosophy that values beauty, pleasure, and sensory experience above all else.
Origin
Aestheticism emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction to the industrialization and materialism of the Victorian era. It was a response to the rigid moral and social conventions of the time, which were seen as stifling creativity and individuality. Aestheticism was influenced by the writings of Walter Pater, Oscar Wilde, and other writers and artists of the time.
Meaning in different dictionaries
As mentioned earlier, the Oxford English Dictionary defines aestheticism as “the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and should be applied to all aspects of human life.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a doctrine that the principles of beauty and artistic taste are a key to the meaning of life.” The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as “the belief that beauty is the most important quality in life and that art should be valued for its own sake rather than for any moral or practical purpose.”
Associations
Aestheticism is associated with the pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and sensory experience. It is often associated with the arts, particularly literature, painting, and music. Aestheticism is also associated with individualism, as it emphasizes the importance of personal taste and preference.
Synonyms
Synonyms of aestheticism include beauty, elegance, refinement, taste, and style.
Antonyms
Antonyms of aestheticism include ugliness, coarseness, vulgarity, crudeness, and tastelessness.
The same root words
The same root words as aestheticism include aesthetics, which refers to the study of beauty and the principles of art and taste, and aesthetic, which refers to the qualities that make something beautiful or pleasing to the senses.
Example Sentences
- The aestheticism of the painting was evident in its use of color and form.
- He was a firm believer in the philosophy of aestheticism, valuing beauty above all else.
- The architecture of the building reflected the principles of aestheticism, with its emphasis on elegance and refinement.
- The poet’s work was characterized by its aestheticism, with its focus on sensory experience and beauty.
- The fashion designer’s aestheticism was evident in the intricate details and luxurious fabrics of her designs.