imagism

[ im-uh-jiz-uhm ]

noun

, Literature.

1. (often initial capital letter) a theory or practice of a group of poets in England and America between 1909 and 1917 who believed that poetry should employ the language of common speech, create new rhythms, have complete freedom in subject matter, and present a clear, concentrated, and precise image.
2. a style of poetry that employs free verse and the patterns and rhythms of common speech.

imagism

/ ˈɪmɪˌdʒɪzəm /

noun

1. a poetic movement in England and America between 1912 and 1917, initiated chiefly by Ezra Pound, advocating the use of ordinary speech and the precise presentation of images

Derived Forms

• ˌimagˈistic, adjective
• ˌimagˈistically, adverb
• ˈimagist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• imag·ist noun adjective
• imag·istic adjective
• imag·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of imagism¹

First recorded in 1910–15; image + -ism

Example Sentences

And it is an illuminating fact that among poets and men conversant with many poetic idioms, Imagism is rarely misconceived.

From Project Gutenberg

Imagism asks to be judged by different standards from those employed in Nineteenth-Century art.

From Project Gutenberg

But there is good verbalism, distinct from lyricism or imagism, and in this Laforgue is a master.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first place “Imagism” does not mean merely the presentation of pictures.

From Project Gutenberg

“Imagism” refers to the manner of presentation, not to the subject.

From Project Gutenberg