romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

rə-

1

often capitalized

a(1)

: a literary, artistic, and philosophical movement originating in the 18th century, characterized chiefly by a reaction against neoclassicism and an emphasis on the imagination and emotions, and marked especially in English literature by sensibility and the use of autobiographical material, an exaltation of the primitive and the common man, an appreciation of external nature, an interest in the remote, a predilection for melancholy, and the use in poetry of older verse forms

(2)

: an aspect of romanticism

b

: adherence to a romantic attitude or style

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

rō-ˈman-tə-sist 

rə-

noun often capitalized

Examples of romanticism in a Sentence

Try not to discourage the romanticism of college students.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Spanish-German singer-songwriter Alvaro Soler releases a song with a classic romanticism that celebrates an innocent love. —Griselda Flores, Billboard, 28 June 2024

Her theatricality, emotionality, romanticism, and understanding of the human condition led her to writing original songs for motion pictures. —Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024

Teyana Taylor took romanticism more literally in an extra-long Valentine-esque red wig, with short metallic nails, to end the week. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 17 June 2024

This power ballad communicates a message about prejudice that melds Warren’s romanticism with activism. 10. —Carrie Wittmer, Vulture, 8 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing romanticism

• pre-romanticism

Kids Definition

romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

often capitalized : a literary and artistic movement marked chiefly by an emphasis on the imagination and emotions

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

-səst 

noun often capitalized