postmodern
pohst-MOD-urn
/ˌpəʊstˈmɒdən/
Representing a departure from modernism, characterized by self-reference, irony, and a distrust of 'grand narratives'.
Often used to describe art or architecture that mixes different styles from the past in a playful or ironic way.
The story behind the word. Coined in the mid-20th century to describe a world that had moved past the certainties of the 'Modern' era. It suggests that we are living in the 'aftermath' of modernity.
Word relationships
- deconstructive: A specific philosophical approach within postmodernism.
- modernist: Refers to the movement that preceded postmodernism, which valued progress and objective truth.
Commonly confused with
- contemporary: Contemporary means 'happening now'; postmodern is a specific intellectual style.
Word family
- postmodernism (noun): The intellectual movement or style.
Collocations
- postmodern theory
- postmodern art
- postmodern irony
Example sentences
- "The novel is a classic example of postmodern literature, frequently breaking the 'fourth wall' to address the reader." Analyzing a novel.
- "Postmodern architecture often incorporates classical columns into sleek, glass-walled buildings." Architecture.
Memory hook
Post-Modern: After the modern stuff got boring, we started mixing it all up. History's 'remix' culture.
When not to use
Don't use it just to mean 'very modern'; it specifically means 'after' or 'reacting against' modernism.
Fun facts
- Postmodernism is famous for the idea that 'truth' is a social construct rather than an objective fact.
Related words
Explore more words
kitsch, quirky, surreal, self-deprecating, avant-garde, deconstruct
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