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vorticism

/ˈvɔː.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/
IELTSAcademic
noun

A modern art and literature movement from the early 1900s. It used strong, sharp shapes and fast, energetic forms to show movement and modern life.

  • Vorticism used bold lines and hard edges.
  • The artist's work showed clear Vorticism influence.
  • They studied Vorticism in art history class.

Adinary Nuance

Vorticism is not a general word for modern art. It names a specific British movement, so it is more precise than "modernism" or "avant-garde." Use it when you mean that early 20th-century style with sharp forms and strong energy. Do not use it for any artwork that just looks abstract or dynamic.

In other languages

Vietnamese
chủ nghĩa Vorticism
Spanish
vorticismo
Chinese
旋涡主义
Japanese
ヴォーティシズム
Korean
보티시즘

Etymology

The word came from Latin-based "vortex" meaning a whirlpool or whirl. It was coined in the early 20th century by the British artist Wyndham Lewis and others.

Common phrases

Vorticism movementVorticism artVorticism influence

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is vorticism a common everyday word?
No. It is mainly used in art history, literature, and academic writing.
Is vorticism the same as cubism?
No. Cubism is a broader art movement, while Vorticism is a smaller British movement.
How do I use vorticism in a sentence?
Use it as a noun: "Her painting shows Vorticism influences."