antiexpressionistic
|an-ti-ex-press-ion-is-tic|
/ˌæn.ti.ɪk.sprɛʃəˈnɪs.tɪk/
against expressionism
Etymology
'antiexpressionistic' originates from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') combined with 'expressionistic' (relating to 'expressionism' + '-istic'), so the word literally means 'against expressionistic'.
'expression' derives from Latin 'exprimere' ('ex-' meaning 'out' + 'primere' meaning 'to press'); this gave rise to 'expression' in Late Latin/Old French, then 'expressionism' emerged in the late 19th–early 20th century to name an art movement, and 'expressionistic' and finally 'antiexpressionistic' were formed in English by adding 'anti-'.
Initially related roots meant 'to press out' (Latin 'exprimere'), then evolved into the abstract notion of 'expressing' inner states; 'expressionism' later named a movement emphasizing subjective emotion, and 'antiexpressionistic' developed to mean 'against that expressive, subjective style'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to or rejecting the principles, style, or techniques of expressionism (art, literature, theater); characterized by an attitude or approach that resists expressionistic methods.
The gallery's recent acquisitions leaned toward antiexpressionistic tendencies, favoring restraint over emotional excess.
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Adjective 2
descriptive of a work or approach that intentionally avoids exaggerated emotional display, dramatic distortion, or the subjective distortions typical of expressionistic art.
Her directing style was deliberately antiexpressionistic, favoring minimalism and measured tone.
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Last updated: 2025/08/31 21:05