concretism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “concretism” mean?
A style of art or literature that emphasizes physical, tangible objects and rejects abstraction, symbolism, or illusion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of art or literature that emphasizes physical, tangible objects and rejects abstraction, symbolism, or illusion.
More broadly, a philosophical or critical approach that prioritizes literal, concrete reality over abstract ideas, metaphor, or subjective interpretation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, technical descriptor within its specialist fields.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency term in both varieties, confined to academic and art-critical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “concretism” in a Sentence
[Subject] adheres to/practises concretism.The [artwork/text] is an example of concretism.A critique based on concretism.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concretism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The poet sought to concretise his imagery, moving towards a stark concretism.
American English
- The artist concretized her vision through a strict policy of concretism.
adjective
British English
- His concretist approach left no room for metaphorical interpretation.
American English
- The concretist manifesto rejected all forms of abstract expression.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history, literary criticism, and philosophy departments to describe specific movements or analytical approaches.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain. Refers to specific 20th-century artistic movements like Concrete Poetry or Concrete Art.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concretism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concretism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concretism”
- Using 'concretism' to mean 'being concrete or specific' in general conversation (incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'concreteness'.
- Misspelling as 'concretis*m*' (correct) vs. 'concretis*n*' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Concreteness' is a general quality of being specific, tangible, or definite. 'Concretism' is a specific artistic or philosophical doctrine that advocates for a focus on the concrete object itself, often rejecting abstraction.
Yes. The 'Concrete Poetry' movement of the 1950s and 1960s, where the typographical arrangement of words on the page is as important as their meaning, is a prime example of literary concretism.
As a strict, defined movement, its peak was in the mid-20th century. However, its influence persists in art that prioritises materiality, process, and the physical presence of the artwork over representation.
It is highly unlikely. 'Concretism' is a specialised term known primarily to students and professionals in the arts, literature, and philosophy.
A style of art or literature that emphasizes physical, tangible objects and rejects abstraction, symbolism, or illusion.
Concretism is usually formal, academic in register.
Concretism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒŋkriːtɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnkriːtɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONCRETE-ism: art or thought that is as solid and tangible as concrete, not airy or abstract.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING (concretism seeks to grasp the literal, physical object).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'concretism' MOST appropriately used?