What does modernist mean?
A modernist is a creative practitioner associated with modernism, particularly the influential movement that developed in the early 20th century. The term also serves as an adjective for works and ideas characterized by simplified forms, new materials, experimentation, and a deliberate departure from historical and academic conventions. Modernism influenced painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, furniture, and design, producing figures and movements associated with abstraction, functional design, and new approaches to artistic expression. Today, the word most often appears in discussions of modernist art and architecture, although it can more broadly describe something that is modern, innovative, or resistant to convention. Its associations are broadly international, although the movement developed through different national and artistic traditions rather than as a single uniform school.
An artist, architect, writer, designer, or other practitioner associated with modernism.
"The modernist rejected the elaborate ornament of the previous generation."
Usually refers to a practitioner or adherent of a modernist movement, especially in the arts, architecture, literature, or design.
Relating to modernism or characterized by modern artistic, architectural, or intellectual principles.
"The museum acquired a major modernist collection."
Can also be used more generally to describe a style or approach that is innovative, experimental, or unconventional.
The plural refers to multiple artists, architects, writers, designers, or other practitioners associated with modernism.
"The book examines how modernists challenged conventional forms of art and design."
The modernist movement turned rejection of inherited conventions into a creative program, reshaping painting, architecture, literature, and design in the early 20th century.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does modernist come from?
The word modernist is formed from modern and the suffix -ist, meaning a practitioner or supporter of a particular idea or movement. Modern comes through French moderne from Latin modernus, a term associated with the present or recent time and ultimately with modus, meaning measure or manner. The compound modernist became established in the context of late-19th- and early-20th-century cultural movements, when modern was used to denote artistic and intellectual approaches opposed to traditional academic standards.
Related word forms
How modernist is actually used
Modernist is most commonly associated with the artistic and architectural movement of the early and mid-20th century. In contemporary general use, it can also mean strongly modern, progressive, or unconventional, though that use may sound informal or less precise.
Easily confused with modernist
Modern means relating to the present or to recent times, whereas modernist more specifically refers to the artistic, architectural, or intellectual principles associated with modernism.