Petrarchism

[ pee-trahr-kiz-uhm, pe- ]

/ ˈpi trɑrˌkɪz əm, ˈpɛ- /

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noun

the poetic style introduced by Petrarch and characteristic of his work, marked by complex grammatical structure, elaborate conceits, and conventionalized diction.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Also Pe·trar·chi·an·ism

[pi-trahr-kee-uh-niz-uhm]. /pɪˈtrɑr ki əˌnɪz əm/.

Origin of Petrarchism

First recorded in 1880–85; Petrarch + -ism

Words nearby Petrarchism

petr-, Petra, Petrarch, Petrarchan, Petrarchan sonnet, Petrarchism, Petrarchist, petrel, petri-, petrichor, petri dish

How to use Petrarchism in a sentence

The tendency of Petrarchism was also in the direction of romanticism.
A History of Literary Criticism in the Renaissance|Joel Elias Spingarn
From this period also dates that literary phenomenon known under the name of Petrarchism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 8|Various
Petrarchism returned, madrigals came in vogue, the social atmosphere was deodorized again.
Historia Amoris: A History of Love, Ancient and Modern|Edgar Saltus
Lyrical poets prefer the conscious shams of Petrarchism to any genuine utterance of emotion.
Renaissance in Italy: Italian Literature|John Addington Symonds

Petrarchism became a fashion among the mediocre and a school among these above the common.
Initiation into Literature|Emile Faguet