Anti-formalist is a term used to describe a person or a movement that opposes formalism, which is the strict adherence to established forms and conventions in art, literature, or other creative fields. Anti-formalists believe that creativity and expression should be free from rigid rules and structures, allowing for more experimentation and innovation.
Definitions
Anti-formalist is a term that can be defined in different ways depending on the context. In general, it refers to a person or a group that rejects formalism, which is the emphasis on form over content in art, literature, or other creative fields. Anti-formalists believe that creativity and expression should be free from rigid rules and structures, allowing for more experimentation and innovation.
Origin
The term anti-formalist has its roots in the early 20th century, when modernist artists and writers began to challenge the traditional forms and conventions of art and literature. The anti-formalist movement emerged as a response to the strict rules and structures that had dominated artistic expression for centuries, and it sought to break free from these constraints and explore new forms of creativity and expression.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term anti-formalist is not commonly found in dictionaries, but it is often defined as a person or a movement that opposes formalism. Some of the definitions found in different dictionaries include:
- Merriam-Webster: “opposed to or rejecting formalism”.
- Oxford English Dictionary: “opposed to or rejecting adherence to established forms and conventions”.
- Dictionary.com: “opposed to or rejecting strict adherence to established forms and conventions”.
Associations
Anti-formalist is often associated with the modernist movement in art and literature, which sought to break free from traditional forms and conventions and explore new ways of expression. It is also associated with the avant-garde, which is a term used to describe artists and writers who are at the forefront of new and experimental movements.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms of anti-formalist include:
- Nonconformist.
- Unconventional.
- Experimental.
- Avant-garde.
- Innovative.
- Radical.
Antonyms
Some of the antonyms of anti-formalist include:
- Formalist.
- Traditionalist.
- Conventional.
- Conservative.
- Classicist.
- Conformist.
The same root words
The root words of anti-formalist are “anti” and “formalist.” “Anti” is a prefix that means “against” or “opposed to,” while “formalist” refers to a person who emphasizes form over content in art, literature, or other creative fields.
Example Sentences
- The anti-formalist movement in art sought to break free from traditional forms and conventions and explore new ways of expression.
- The poet’s anti-formalist approach to writing allowed her to experiment with language and form in innovative ways.
- The avant-garde artist was known for his anti-formalist style, which challenged the established norms of the art world.
- The nonconformist writer rejected the formalist approach to literature and instead embraced a more experimental and unconventional style.
- The conservative critic dismissed the anti-formalist movement as a threat to the traditional values of art and literature.