Langimage
English

impressionism

|im/pres/sion/ism|

C1

🇺🇸

/ɪmˈprɛʃənˌɪzəm/

🇬🇧

/ɪmˈprɛʃənɪzəm/

artistic movement

Etymology
Etymology Information

'impressionism' originates from the French word 'impressionnisme', which was derived from 'impression', meaning 'impression'.

Historical Evolution

'impressionnisme' was coined in the late 19th century to describe a new art movement and eventually became the modern English word 'impressionism'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred specifically to a style of painting, but over time it evolved to include music and other arts.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a 19th-century art movement characterized by small, thin brush strokes, open composition, and emphasis on accurate depiction of light.

Claude Monet was a leading figure in impressionism.

Synonyms

Noun 2

a style in music that seeks to convey moods and emotions rather than detailed tone-pictures.

Debussy's music is often associated with impressionism.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/24 13:51