representationalism

C2 Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /ˌɹɛpɹɪzɛnˈteɪʃənəlˌɪzəm/ UK /ˌrɛprɪzɛnˈteɪʃənəlɪzəm/ See IPA manual

Meanings

1

noun
the use or support of recognizable, realistic subjects in art

The painter returned to representationalism after years of making abstract work.
2

noun
the philosophical view that perception involves internal representations of the external world

Her theory of vision rejects representationalism in favor of direct perception.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · the use or support of... figurative artrealism

2 noun · the philosophical view that... indirect realismrepresentative realism

Opposites

abstractionismdirect realism

Word family

Derived forms nonrepresentationalism

Related forms representationrepresentational

Etymology

Formed from representational plus -ism. It names doctrines centered on representation: in art, depicting recognizable subjects; in philosophy, treating experience as mediated by mental representations.

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

markdown