minimalism

[min-uh-muh-liz-uhm]

noun

1. Music.,  a reductive style or school of modern music utilizing only simple sonorities, rhythms, and patterns, with minimal embellishment or orchestrational complexity, and characterized by protracted repetition of figurations, obsessive structural rigor, and often a pulsing, hypnotic effect.

2. minimal art.

3. an aesthetic, particularly in design, decor, and fashion, favoring simplicity, clean lines, and neutral colors over pattern, ornament, and brighter colors.

4. a lifestyle involving a reduction or simplification of one’s material possessions that frees one to lead an existence that is more intentional, purposeful, spiritual, etc..

   Inspired by a guru of minimalism, the couple sold their house and began living on the road in an RV.

minimalism

/ ˈmɪnɪməˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. another name for minimal art

2. a type of music based on simple elements and avoiding elaboration or embellishment

3. design or style in which the simplest and fewest elements are used to create the maximum effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimalism¹

First recorded in 1965–70; minimal + -ism

Example Sentences

A Calder museum had already been planned for the site by Tadao Ando, the Japanese architect known for his poetic minimalism.

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When I first arrived at Reset, I was taken aback by the starkness of the space, but it didn’t take long for the hotel’s minimalism and clean lines to grow on me.

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In a world oversaturated by minimalism and monochrome, Thomas’ layered patterns and playful approach stood out.

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Sudan’s reinvention, in both her life and art, has found its depth in minimalism.

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And then there was, at long last for Ojai, the elephant in the minimalism room, the iconic California composer Terry Riley.

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When To Use

What does minimalism mean?

Minimalism most generally refers to a style or approach that uses a small number of elements.More specifically, it can refer to a type of painting or sculpture (sometimes called minimal art), music, or other art form that typically uses the simplest and fewest elements with the goal of creating the maximum effect. In this sense, it is sometimes capitalized.The adjective form minimalist can be used to describe such art forms, or more generally to describe a simple style or approach. As a noun, it can be used to refer to an artist who practices Minimalism or, more generally, to a person who favors a simple style or approach.The related adjective minimalistic is used to describe something that is stripped down to its most essential elements or uses only what is needed. Both minimalist and minimalistic can be used to describe things that are simplified and include only the most basic components, without embellishment.Example: Jane says she prefers minimalism when it comes to interior design, but to me it just looks like her house is missing a lot of furniture.