modernist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. 'Modern' is a general term for things of the present or recent times. 'Modernist' specifically refers to the ideas, styles, and people of the Modernism movement (approx. late 19th to mid-20th century), which was a deliberate break from tradition.

Yes, it is very commonly used attributively (before a noun) as an adjective, e.g., 'modernist poetry', 'modernist architecture'. It describes things pertaining to the Modernism movement.

In an artistic/historical context, the direct opposite is a 'traditionalist' or 'classicist'. A 'postmodernist' is not an opposite but a follower of the movement that came after and often reacted against Modernism.

As a specific historical movement with defined characteristics, Modernism is generally considered to have ended by the mid-to-late 20th century. Its influence continues, but contemporary innovative art is typically labelled differently (e.g., contemporary, post-modern).

A person who follows or advocates the ideas and styles of modernism, particularly in the arts, architecture, or literature, which broke with traditional forms in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

Modernist is usually formal, academic, art/literary criticism in register.

Modernist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒdənɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːdərnɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.