aestheticism

[ es-thet-uh-siz-uhmor, especially British, ees- ]

noun

1. the acceptance of artistic beauty and taste as a fundamental standard, ethical and other standards being secondary.
2. an exaggerated devotion to art, music, or poetry, with indifference to practical matters.
3. a late Victorian movement in British and American art characterized by a dedicatedly eclectic search for beauty and by an interest in old English, Japanese, and classical art.

aestheticism

/ iːsˈθɛtɪˌsɪzəm; ɪs- /

noun

1. the doctrine that aesthetic principles are of supreme importance and that works of art should be judged accordingly
2. sensitivity to beauty, esp in art, music, literature, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of aestheticism¹

First recorded in 1855–60; aesthetic + -ism

Example Sentences

The standoff between Blanche’s impractical aestheticism and Stanley’s ruthless pragmatism is the heart of this quintessentially American drama.

From Los Angeles Times

It all looks effortless because the power is married to aestheticism, and there isn't an extra note in the composition.

From BBC

Yet Martelli’s detailed, beautiful frames aren’t signs of empty aestheticism.

From New York Times

The game the rivals play is beautiful, Cathedral coach Arturo Torres said, because of its aestheticism.

From Los Angeles Times

His own tastes range from vintage trash to deep-dish aestheticism, and at his best — in “A Bigger Splash,” “Call Me By Your Name” and the HBO series “We Are Who We Are” — he can combine melodramatic pop extravagance with art-house refinement.

From New York Times

Related Words

• ability
• art
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• fashion
• perception
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• skill