What does antimodernism mean?
Antimodernism is opposition to modernity, particularly the assumption that technological progress, urbanization, industrial production, and changing social conventions are inherently desirable. In cultural and intellectual contexts, the term can describe a movement or attitude that rejects contemporary ways of life, sometimes in favor of tradition, locality, craft, or older social arrangements. It is not simply a synonym for conservatism, since antimodernism may target specific features of modern society while accepting other aspects of contemporary life. The term is especially associated with criticism of industrial modernity and with debates in art, literature, architecture, and social theory. Its usefulness lies in naming a distinctive reaction that is not merely nostalgic: it asks what values may be lost when “modern” becomes an unquestioned ideal. The word is formal and primarily encountered in intellectual, artistic, and academic discussion.
nounOpposition to modernity, especially to the cultural, artistic, intellectual, or technological changes associated with modern life. The term can refer either to this attitude or to a movement or school of thought that resists such changes.
- Opposition to modernity and its associated cultural, social, intellectual, or technological changes.
- A cultural, artistic, or intellectual movement that resists modernity, industrial society, or contemporary ways of life.
"Her essay links antimodernism to a renewed suspicion of technological progress and industrial expansion."
"The architect’s use of local materials was understood as an expression of antimodernism."
"The novel presents antimodernism as a nostalgic reaction against bureaucratic urban life."
The plural is uncommon and is generally used when referring to distinct antimodernist movements, tendencies, or expressions.
"The study compares antimodernisms that emerged in different cities during the early twentieth century."
Antimodernism treats “modern” as an argument to be debated, not a condition to celebrate.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does antimodernism come from?
Antimodernism was formed in English with the prefix anti-, meaning “against,” alongside modern and the suffix -ism, meaning a doctrine, movement, or characteristic condition. The underlying adjective modern comes through French moderne from Latin modernus, meaning “recent” or “new.” During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the compound developed in cultural and intellectual discussion to denote resistance to modernity and modern industrial society.
Related word forms
How antimodernism is actually used
This is a relatively formal and specialized term, used especially in academic writing and in discussions of art, literature, architecture, politics, and social criticism. It may describe a coherent movement or a broader critical attitude, and it can be used neutrally or with an evaluative tone.
Easily confused with antimodernism
Modernism generally embraces or works within modern artistic, cultural, or intellectual developments, whereas antimodernism opposes or criticizes those developments.