neoclassic

or ne·o-clas·sic

[ nee-oh-klas-ik ]

adjective

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) belonging or pertaining to a revival of classic styles or something that is held to resemble classic styles, as in art, literature, music, or architecture.
2. (usually initial capital letter) Fine Arts. of, relating to, or designating a style of painting and sculpture developed principally from the mid-18th through the mid-19th centuries, characterized chiefly by an iconography derived from classical antiquity, a hierarchical conception of subject matter, severity of composition and, especially in painting, by an oblique lighting of forms in the early phase and a strict linear quality in the later phase of the style.
3. Architecture. of, relating to, or designating neoclassicism.
4. (sometimes initial capital letter) Literature. of, relating to, or designating a style of poetry or prose, developed chiefly in the 17th and 18th centuries, rigidly adhering to canons of form that were derived mainly from classical antiquity, that were exemplified by decorum of style or diction, the three unities, etc., and that emphasized an impersonal expression of universal truths as shown in human actions, representing them principally in satiric and didactic modes.

Other Words From

• neo·classi·cist neo-classi·cist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of neoclassic¹

First recorded in 1875–80; neo- + classic

Example Sentences

The Beezers’ neoclassic banks throughout the West include the focus of this week’s column.

From Seattle Times

The third and present Cliff House, neoclassic in design, was built in 1909.

From Washington Times

Almost 600 people were gathered in the neoclassic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, with its 60-foot ceiling surrounded by fluted columns, on Constitution Avenue NW.

From Washington Post

Tormis, who started in the neoclassic style but moved to using folk music of his native Estonia and other related peoples, gained worldwide recognition with his a cappella songs.

From Washington Times

It is one of the prime neoclassic creations of the 20th century and, discounting a few lapses in stamina, the Los Angeles Ballet performance delivered its greatness impressively.

From Los Angeles Times