Brutalism is a term that has been used to describe a style of architecture that emerged in the mid-twentieth century. This style is characterized by its use of raw concrete, angular shapes, and a lack of ornamentation. The term brutalist has also been used to describe other forms of art, such as music and literature, that share a similar aesthetic.
Definitions
Brutalist is an adjective that is used to describe something that is characterized by a lack of decoration or ornamentation. It is often used to describe architecture, but can also be used to describe other forms of art, such as music, literature, and visual art.
Origin
The term brutalist comes from the French word “brut,” which means raw or rough. The term was first used in the 1950s to describe a style of architecture that was characterized by its use of raw concrete and lack of ornamentation.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of brutalist can vary slightly between different dictionaries. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines brutalist as “relating to or denoting a style of architecture characterized by a deliberate crudity of design and construction using raw concrete.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “relating to or being a style of architecture marked by deliberate crudity of design and construction and emphasizing the bareness and crudity of exposed concrete.”
Associations
The term brutalist is often associated with architecture, particularly the style that emerged in the mid-twentieth century. This style is often associated with government buildings, universities, and other public institutions. Brutalist architecture is often seen as imposing and austere, but it is also appreciated for its honesty and simplicity.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for brutalist, including raw, rough, unadorned, and stark. These words all convey a sense of simplicity and lack of ornamentation.
Antonyms
The antonyms of brutalist include ornate, decorated, embellished, and intricate. These words convey a sense of complexity and attention to detail.
The same root words
The same root words as brutalist include brute, brutish, and brutality. These words all convey a sense of roughness and lack of refinement.
Example Sentences
- The new government building was designed in a brutalist style, with raw concrete and angular shapes.
- The band’s music was described as brutalist, with its heavy use of distortion and lack of melody.
- The writer’s prose was characterized by its brutalist simplicity, with no unnecessary words or flourishes.
- The artist’s paintings were stark and unadorned, with a focus on raw materials and textures.