minimalist

American  

[min-uh-muh-list] / ˈmɪn ə mə lɪst /

noun

1. a person who favors a moderate approach to the achievement of a set of goals or who holds minimal expectations for the success of a program.

2. a practitioner of minimalism in music or art.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of minimalism.

2. being or offering no more than what is required or essential.

   a minimalist program for tax reform.

ˈminimalist ¹ British  

/ ˈmɪnɪməlɪst /

noun

1. a person advocating a minimal policy, style, technique, action, etc

2. a minimal artist

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adjective

1. of or relating to minimal art or artists

Minimalist ² British  

/ ˈmɪnɪməlɪst /

noun

1. a member of the faction of the Social Revolutionaries that advocated immediate postrevolutionary democracy

2. a less common name for a Menshevik

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Usage

What does minimalist mean? Minimalist is most generally used as an adjective describing a style or approach  that uses a small number of elements.Minimalist can also be used to refer to a person who favors a style or approach.More specifically, minimalist can refer to an artist who practices or uses Minimalism, which can refer to a type of painting or sculpture (sometimes called minimal art), music, or other art form. Art forms labeled minimalist typically use the simplest and fewest elements with the goal of creating the maximum effect.The term minimalism can also be used in a more general way to refer to a minimalist 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’s a minimalist when it comes to interior design, but to me it just looks like her house is missing a lot of furniture.

Etymology

Origin of minimalist

1905–10; in political use < French minimaliste ( minimal, -ist ), translation of Russian men'shevík Menshevik; subsequent uses perhaps recoinage with minimal, -ist

Example Sentences

“When I walk into a minimalist home, I always think, ‘Oh my God, have you been robbed?’”

From Los Angeles Times

Friday's guidance comes after China announced it will ban hidden door handles on cars, a minimalist design popularised by Tesla, from next year -- also over safety concerns.

From Barron's

Here, she shares her minimalist approach to restocking a kitchen from scratch, a smart pantry organization solution—and the crêpe recipe that rescued her from a cooking rut.

From The Wall Street Journal

E.l.f. reported the results as demand for cosmetics and skin-care products continues to hold up despite rising prices and tariffs, and as the beauty industry remains defined by cleaner, minimalist looks and wellness.

From MarketWatch

China will ban hidden door handles on cars sold in the country from next year, phasing out the minimalist design popularised by Tesla over safety concerns.

From Barron's

Related Words

• essential
• minimal