divisionism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Artistic
Quick answer
What does “divisionism” mean?
A technique in painting where colours are separated into individual dots or patches that blend optically when viewed from a distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A technique in painting where colours are separated into individual dots or patches that blend optically when viewed from a distance.
The practice or policy of causing division or disunity, especially along social, political, or ethnic lines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In art contexts, neutral/technical. In socio-political contexts, strongly negative.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Almost exclusively found in specialised art history texts or formal political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “divisionism” in a Sentence
[Subject] practises divisionismDivisionism in [Art/Politics]The divisionism of [Artist/Leader]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divisionism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The artist sought to divisionise colour on the canvas.
- Politicians should not divisionise the electorate.
American English
- The artist sought to divisionize colour on the canvas.
- Politicians should not divisionize the electorate.
adverb
British English
- The paint was applied divisionistically, dot by dot.
- He argued divisionistically, pitting group against group.
American English
- The paint was applied divisionistically, dot by dot.
- He argued divisionistically, pitting group against group.
adjective
British English
- His divisionist approach to colour was revolutionary.
- The leader's divisionist rhetoric was dangerous.
American English
- His divisionist approach to color was revolutionary.
- The leader's divisionist rhetoric was dangerous.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in art history to describe the technique of Seurat and Signac. In political science, used to critique policies that foster group divisions.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood.
Technical
Specific term in art conservation and analysis for describing paint application and optical mixing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “divisionism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “divisionism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divisionism”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'division'. Confusing it exclusively with pointillism (divisionism is the broader colour theory; pointillism is the dot technique). Misspelling as 'divisonism'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. Divisionism refers to the broader theory of separating colours for optical mixing. Pointillism is the specific technique of applying paint in dots, which is one method of practising divisionism.
In its primary art context, it is a neutral, descriptive term. In its extended socio-political sense, it is almost exclusively negative, describing harmful or manipulative strategies.
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialised term. Most native speakers would not know it or use it in everyday conversation.
Art history is the most common field. You might also find it in advanced political analysis or sociology texts discussing strategies of division.
A technique in painting where colours are separated into individual dots or patches that blend optically when viewed from a distance.
Divisionism is usually formal, academic, artistic in register.
Divisionism: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɪʒ.ən.ɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɪʒ.ən.ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this low-frequency term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'division' in an army or society. Now imagine that idea applied to dots of paint ('ism') on a canvas – keeping colours separate to create a whole image.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY/ART IS A MOSAIC (composed of separate, distinct parts that form a whole).
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, 'divisionism' most closely means: