medievalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “medievalism” mean?
A system of belief, practice, or style characteristic of the Middle Ages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of belief, practice, or style characteristic of the Middle Ages; devotion to or admiration for medieval ideals, customs, or aesthetics.
The study or revival of medieval culture, art, architecture, or thought; a scholarly or artistic movement focused on the medieval period; an attitude or idea considered outdated or primitive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: British English also accepts 'mediaevalism', though 'medievalism' is now dominant. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. The pejorative sense ('backward thinking') is equally common.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British academic/historical writing due to the UK's medieval heritage and the prominence of the 19th-century Gothic Revival.
Grammar
How to Use “medievalism” in a Sentence
[Adjective] + medievalism (e.g., romantic medievalism)medievalism + [Prepositional Phrase] (e.g., medievalism in architecture)the medievalism of [Noun Phrase] (e.g., the medievalism of his worldview)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medievalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The architect sought to medievalise the town hall's appearance.
- They medievalised the ceremony with faux-heraldic banners.
American English
- The designer wanted to medievalize the campus library.
- The game medievalizes historical combat.
adverb
British English
- The hall was decorated medievalistically, with tapestries and crests.
American English
- The building was designed medievalistically, with pointed arches.
adjective
British English
- His medievalist sympathies were clear in his writing.
- The society held a medievalist banquet.
American English
- She took a medievalist approach to the text.
- The festival had a medievalist theme.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly pejorative: 'Their management style is pure medievalism.'
Academic
Common in history, literature, art history. 'Her thesis examines Ruskin's medievalism.'
Everyday
Rare. Used pejoratively: 'The country's laws on that issue are medievalism.'
Technical
Specific in historical/art criticism denoting a revivalist movement or scholarly field.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “medievalism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “medievalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medievalism”
- Using it to mean 'the medieval period' (correct: 'the Middle Ages' or 'medieval times').
- Misspelling as 'medievilism'.
- Confusing it with 'medievalist' (a person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'The Middle Ages' refers to the historical period (approx. 5th-15th centuries). 'Medievalism' refers to the later revival, study, or imitation of that period's culture, or an attitude deemed characteristic of it.
Yes, in academic and artistic contexts it is neutral or positive, referring to a serious revival or scholarly field. In political or social commentary, it is often negative, implying regressive or outdated ideas.
A medievalist is a scholar who studies the Middle Ages, or a person who admires or promotes medieval styles and ideas. It is the personal noun related to 'medievalism'.
They are closely related. 'Gothic Revival' is a specific architectural and artistic movement within the broader category of 'medievalism'. Medievalism can also refer to literary, philosophical, or political revivals.
A system of belief, practice, or style characteristic of the Middle Ages.
Medievalism is usually formal, academic in register.
Medievalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛdɪˈiːvəlɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmidiˈivəˌlɪzəm/ˌmɛdiˈivəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bastion of medievalism”
- “To be accused of medievalism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEDIEVAL + ISM. An '-ism' is a belief system or practice, so it's the belief in or style of the medieval period.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A PLACE TO RETURN TO (for revival); OLD-FASHIONED IDEAS ARE MEDIEVAL (for pejorative use).
Practice
Quiz
In a pejorative sense, 'medievalism' is closest in meaning to: