Italianism

American  

[ih-tal-yuh-niz-uhm] / ɪˈtæl yəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. an Italian practice, trait, or idiom.

2. Italian quality or spirit.

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Italianism British  

/ ɪˈtæljəˌnɪzəm, ɪˈtælɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. an Italian custom or style

2. Italian quality or life, or the cult of either

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Other Word Forms

• anti-Italianism noun
• pro-Italianism noun

Etymology

Origin of Italianism

First recorded in 1585–95; Italian + -ism

Example Sentences

At any rate the poem contains the whole apparatus of nymphs and satyrs transplanted to Italian landscape and living a life of commingled Hellenism and Italianism.

From Some Forerunners of Italian Opera by Henderson, W. J. (William James)

In recent years the Italian poet has abandoned his native land, living in Paris, writing his last work in French, having apparently exiled himself for the rest of his life and renounced his former Italianism.

From The World Decision by Herrick, Robert

The overture, with its hollow ring of gaiety, strikes the note of Italianism which echoes throughout the opera.

From The Opera A Sketch of the Development of Opera. With full Descriptions of all Works in the Modern Repertory. by Fuller-Maitland, J. A.

I have no doubt that sçue is correct, and is an Italianism, saputo having sometimes the sense of prudent or judicious.

From The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1 by Yule, Henry

Ah! the musty base Italianism and neo-Meyerbeerism, the filthy masses of sentiment which are borne on by the torrent!…

From Jean Christophe: in Paris The Market-Place, Antoinette, the House by Cannan, Gilbert