historicism
noun
his·tor·i·cism
hi-ˈstȯr-ə-ˌsi-zəm 
-ˈstär-
: a theory, doctrine, or style that emphasizes the importance of history: such as
a
: a theory in which history is seen as a standard of value or as a determinant of events
b
: a style (as in architecture) characterized by the use of traditional forms and elements
Examples of historicism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Onscreen, gymnastics commentators swoon over the historicism of Biles’ feat, emphasizing how much the athlete has done for the sport.
—
Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Elsewhere, historicism and modernity collided between a 2020 Richard Quinn outfit, smothered in crystals and Swarovski pearls recalling the historical button embroidery of East London’s Pearl Kings, and a Marc Jacobs modernist knotted dress from his spring 2023 collection.
—Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 20 June 2024
The mix of escapism, historicism, and overt femininity combined with nostalgia have made the coquette aesthetic one of the most viral trends of this 2024.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2024
In the new serif logos of Ferragamo and Burberry, that subtle play for historicism may be key to winning back customer bases in an increasingly competitive landscape of newer brands.
—Aileen Kwun, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2023
At the apex moment of postmodern historicism (see: the Crescent), the building Barnes gave the museum was decidedly modern, defined by an inclined internal street and a barrel-vaulted gallery then dedicated to contemporary art.
—Dallas News, 1 Mar. 2023
Stanford’s apology for discrimination in the 1950s is well meaning, but this kind of historicism can turn easily into escapism.
—WSJ, 25 Oct. 2022
Today’s historicism is a fulfillment of that discourse, having migrated from the margins of academia to the heart of the liberal establishment.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 22 June 2021
The penchant for the Vineyard vernacular precludes much historicism, with surprisingly few references to the Shingle-style, that inventive use of humble cedar shakes that found expression in posh watering holes such as Newport and Bar Harbor.
—BostonGlobe.com, 6 June 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Elsewhere, historicism and modernity collided between a 2020 Richard Quinn outfit, smothered in crystals and Swarovski pearls recalling the historical button embroidery of East London’s Pearl Kings, and a Marc Jacobs modernist knotted dress from his spring 2023 collection.
—Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 20 June 2024
The mix of escapism, historicism, and overt femininity combined with nostalgia have made the coquette aesthetic one of the most viral trends of this 2024.
—Teresa Romero Martínez, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2024
In the new serif logos of Ferragamo and Burberry, that subtle play for historicism may be key to winning back customer bases in an increasingly competitive landscape of newer brands.
—Aileen Kwun, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2023
At the apex moment of postmodern historicism (see: the Crescent), the building Barnes gave the museum was decidedly modern, defined by an inclined internal street and a barrel-vaulted gallery then dedicated to contemporary art.
—Dallas News, 1 Mar. 2023
Stanford’s apology for discrimination in the 1950s is well meaning, but this kind of historicism can turn easily into escapism.
—WSJ, 25 Oct. 2022
Today’s historicism is a fulfillment of that discourse, having migrated from the margins of academia to the heart of the liberal establishment.
—Matthew Karp, Harper's Magazine, 22 June 2021
The penchant for the Vineyard vernacular precludes much historicism, with surprisingly few references to the Shingle-style, that inventive use of humble cedar shakes that found expression in posh watering holes such as Newport and Bar Harbor.
—BostonGlobe.com, 6 June 2021
Articles Related to historicism
Dictionary Entries Near historicism
Cite this Entry
“Historicism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/historicism. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share