classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈkla-sə-ˌsi-zəm 

1

a

: the principles or style embodied in the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

b

: classical scholarship

c

: a classical idiom or expression

2

: adherence to traditional standards (as of simplicity, restraint, and proportion) that are universally and enduringly valid

Examples of classicism in a Sentence

a return to classicism in modern architecture

the classicism of the building

Recent Examples on the Web

The busy halls and cautiously optimistic mood among exhibitors and buyers alike suggested that the trade show’s roots in classicism are still appealing and allowed the showcase to reclaim its spot in the menswear conversation. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025

In the West, generative AI may beget even more totalitarian classicism—either of the pre-Mannerist or of the post-Mannerist ilk. —Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2025

Similarly, fashion brands at the fair doubled down on classicism, revisiting heritage menswear codes with a global perspective, adding references and craftmanship from a multitude of cultures and subcultures. —Alex Badia, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025

This savoir-faire perfectly corresponds with the spirit of cooperation initiated by our founders, William Baume & Paul Mercier, where classicism meets creativity, expertise meets quality, tradition meets modernity, and elegance meets character... —Baume & Mercier Contributor, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for classicism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

classicism

noun

clas·​si·​cism ˈklas-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

: the principles or style of the literature, art, or architecture of ancient Greece and Rome

2

: a following of the standards of tradition (as in music or art)