What does postmodernist mean?
A postmodernist is a person who approaches culture, philosophy, literature, or the arts through postmodernism. Postmodernism questions whether ideas such as universal truth, rational progress, stable meaning, and the autonomy of the individual can be accepted without qualification. The adjective "postmodernist" describes theories, criticisms, artistic practices, and perspectives shaped by this outlook. Its use is especially associated with literary theory, philosophy, architecture, visual art, and cultural criticism, although postmodernist ideas and techniques have also appeared in broader public debate. The term does not imply a single unified doctrine: thinkers described as postmodernist differ substantially in their methods and conclusions. In neutral academic usage, it identifies a perspective or practitioner; in informal argument, it can sometimes carry the dismissive suggestion of rejecting standards or treating all viewpoints as equally arbitrary.
A person associated with postmodernism, especially a philosopher, literary theorist, artist, architect, or critic whose work questions traditional assumptions about truth, meaning, and artistic value.
"The postmodernist used several competing narratives to challenge the idea of a single authoritative interpretation."
The label is commonly used in intellectual and cultural criticism. It does not identify a narrowly unified school of thought.
Relating to postmodernism or characterized by its skepticism toward universal truths, linear progress, and fixed meanings.
"The essay offers a postmodernist reading of the archive and its silences."
This use is typically attributive, as in "postmodernist criticism," "postmodernist theory," or "postmodernist aesthetics."
Used for multiple people associated with postmodernism; the plural "postmodernisms" instead refers to different forms or versions of the broader intellectual movement.
"Many postmodernists disagreed sharply about whether irony could serve a serious critical purpose."
Calling someone a postmodernist can imply not only a method of criticism but also a willingness to question whether there is any privileged method of criticism at all.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does postmodernist come from?
The word was formed in the 20th century by combining the prefix "post-", meaning "after," with "modernist," a practitioner or advocate of modernism. "Modernist" in turn derives from "modern," ultimately from Latin "modernus," meaning "recent" or "of the present time." The shared historical development links postmodernism with modernist and broader modern approaches that reorganize artistic, philosophical, and social thought.
Related word forms
How postmodernist is actually used
The noun is most common in intellectual and cultural contexts. As an adjective, it usually appears before a noun, such as "postmodernist theory," rather than as a predicative adjective. In informal or polemical use, the term may imply intellectual fashionableness or excessive skepticism, but such connotations are not inherent in the word.
Easily confused with postmodernist
Postmodernist normally denotes a person or practitioner associated with postmodernism, while postmodern describes a broader condition, approach, style, or body of work.