primitivism

American  

[prim-i-ti-viz-uhm] / ˈprɪm ɪ tɪˌvɪz əm /

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 British  

/ 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 Cultural  

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

---

Other Word Forms

• primitivist noun
• primitivistic adjective
• unprimitivistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of primitivism

First recorded in 1860–65; primitive + -ism

Example Sentences

It is hard to know whether to call this ethical primitivism a philosophic school, but Ms. Kuin is sure that we should.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

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

From Salon

“The primitivism and vulgarity she showed speaks about herself, but also about those who have given her the job,” Vucic told the pro-government Pink TV.

From Washington Times