minimalist

American  

[min-uh-muh-list] / ˈmɪn ə mə lɪst /

noun

1. a person who favors a moderate approach to the achievement of a set of goals or who holds minimal expectations for the success of a program.

2. a practitioner of minimalism in music or art.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of minimalism.

2. being or offering no more than what is required or essential.

   a minimalist program for tax reform.

ˈminimalist ¹ British  

/ ˈmɪnɪməlɪst /

noun

1. a person advocating a minimal policy, style, technique, action, etc

2. a minimal artist

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adjective

1. of or relating to minimal art or artists

Minimalist ² British  

/ ˈmɪnɪməlɪst /

noun

1. a member of the faction of the Social Revolutionaries that advocated immediate postrevolutionary democracy

2. a less common name for a Menshevik

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Usage

What does minimalist mean? Minimalist is most generally used as an adjective describing a style or approach  that uses a small number of elements.Minimalist can also be used to refer to a person who favors a style or approach.More specifically, minimalist can refer to an artist who practices or uses Minimalism, which can refer to a type of painting or sculpture (sometimes called minimal art), music, or other art form. Art forms labeled minimalist typically use the simplest and fewest elements with the goal of creating the maximum effect.The term minimalism can also be used in a more general way to refer to a minimalist style or approach.The related adjective minimalistic is used to describe something that is stripped down to its most essential elements or uses only what is needed. Both minimalist and minimalistic can be used to describe things that are simplified and include only the most basic components, without embellishment.Example: Jane says she’s a minimalist when it comes to interior design, but to me it just looks like her house is missing a lot of furniture.

Etymology

Origin of minimalist

1905–10; in political use < French minimaliste ( minimal, -ist ), translation of Russian men'shevík Menshevik; subsequent uses perhaps recoinage with minimal, -ist

Example Sentences

The expansive living room has elegant oak wood flooring, and the chef’s kitchen offers a chic and minimalist design with gray cabinets, modern appliances, and marble countertops.

From MarketWatch

The same playwright’s off-Broadway “Grangeville,” another subtle minimalist drama depicting an emotionally fraught family relationship, was also one of the year’s best new plays.

From The Wall Street Journal

The young trio’s minimalist arrangements evoke the clang of downtown post-punk New York, while the new collection’s sly humor and deep well of hooks helped the dissonant turns go down easily.

From The Wall Street Journal

All echo the minimalist precision and classical proportions of their museums across the country.

From Los Angeles Times

"My work is dedicated to a minimalist way of life," one full-time influencer tells the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

• essential
• minimal