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

He devotes an entire chapter to the co-existence of “primitivism and technology.”

From The Daily Beast

In English letters Wordsworth in his earlier verse illustrated the same sentimental primitivism.

From Project Gutenberg

Yours is the faineant spirit of the decadent, masquerading in the garb of a sham primitivism.

From Project Gutenberg

In an age when a fog of dreary sameness comes over all the civilised world, the Balkans have a great asset in their primitivism.

From Project Gutenberg

And this theory is the excuse for all the attempts at primitivism of which we have lately seen so much.

From Project Gutenberg

All the time we are struggling between the rankest primitivism and the most delicate intrigue.

From Project Gutenberg