primitivism

[ prim-i-ti-viz-uhm ]

noun

1. a recurrent theory or belief, as in philosophy or art, that the qualities of primitive or chronologically early cultures are superior to those of contemporary civilization.
2. the state of being primitive:

   the primitivism of the Stone Age peoples.

3. the qualities or style characterizing primitive art.

primitivism

/ ˈprɪmɪtɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. the condition of being primitive
2. the notion that the value of primitive cultures is superior to that of the modern world
3. the principles, characteristics, etc, of primitive art and artists

primitivism

1. A style of art that attempts to imitate the art of primitive cultures or of children.

Derived Forms

• ˈprimitivist, nounadjective
• ˌprimitivˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• primi·tiv·ist noun
• primi·tiv·istic adjective
• unprim·i·tiv·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of primitivism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; primitive + -ism

Example Sentences

They were all part of what used to be called “primitivism,” an aesthetic tendency with roots in colonialism.

From Washington Post

Thus do humans carve civil societies from wildernesses of social primitivism.

From Seattle Times

“They are denying moral principles and all traditional identities: national, cultural, religious, and even sexual” and are on “a direct path to degradation and primitivism,” Putin said in a 2013 speech quoted by Myers.

From Washington Post

Likewise, libertarian America's peak moment was the George W. Bush presidency, a period of transition toward primitivism, although not yet full-blown in his era.

From Salon

His 1963 book, "The Messianic Character of American Education," argued that the "government school" represented "primitivism" and "chaos."

From Salon