presentism

[ pri-zen-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the centering of present-day attitudes, values, and concepts in the interpretation of historical events:

   Presentism and failure to understand the political themes of the book in their historical context have led to many poorly informed modern criticisms of it.

2. Philosophy. the metaphysical doctrine that only things that are present exist.

Other Words From

• pre·sent·ist adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of presentism¹

First recorded in 1915–20; present ¹( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

The pessimism and presentism which marked that occasion caused a severing between historians and the reading masses.

From The Daily Beast