classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

a

: the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

b

: classical scholarship

c

: a classical idiom or expression

2

: adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

Examples of classicism in a Sentence

a return to classicism in modern architecture

the classicism of the building

Recent Examples on the Web

This dial typography is also well weighted and conveys a sense of classicism mixed with more modern sensibilities. —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024

The film is a head-spinning allegory on power and a vision of the future made with an idiosyncratic anything-goes tone that blends melodrama, absurdism, satire, classicism and sense of genuine stylistic freedom. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2024

After renovation jobs for friends snowballed into full-scale projects, McDonald (pictured at a Minnesota home) launched her own firm in 2018, imbuing historic houses and contemporary buildings alike with her sophisticated twist on classicism. —Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2024

After seasons of fashion-forward and risk taking styles, celebrities have opted for a return to classicism at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. —Alex Badia, WWD, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the principles or style of the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

2

: a following of the standards of tradition (as in music or art)