Definify.com

Definition 2024


primitivism

primitivism

English

Noun

primitivism (countable and uncountable, plural primitivisms)

  1. The state or quality of being primitive.
  2. The opinion that life was better or more moral among primitive peoples, or among children, and has deteriorated with civilization.
  3. Any of a group of related styles in the arts, influenced by a belief in the superiority of primitive forms.
    • 2009 January 18, Ben Rayner, “Ben Rayner's reasons to live”, in Toronto Star:
      Exuberant in its primitivism, High Kicks has a joyous, slightly naive spark that sometimes evokes the sort of tuneful messes to which Calvin Johnson's name is often attached.

Related terms

Translations

See also