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Translate files Surrealism
/səˈrilˌɪzəm/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A 20th-century artistic and literary movement characterized by the exploration of the unconscious mind, dream imagery, and irrational juxtapositions.
The painting showcased the essence of surrealism, with its bizarre figures and dreamlike landscapes.
A style of art and literature that seeks to challenge the conventional perceptions of reality and explore the illogical and fantastical.
Many poets of the early 20th century were heavily influenced by surrealism in their exploration of subconscious themes.
The quality or state of being surreal; an experience or representation that is bizarre or dreamlike.
The surrealism of her dreams often left her feeling disoriented upon waking.
Etymology
Derived from the French 'surréalisme', which combines 'sur-' (beyond) and 'réalisme' (realism).
Common Phrases and Expressions
surreal experience
An experience that feels dreamlike and strange, often disorienting.
surreal environment
An environment that is bizarre or reminiscent of a dream.
surreal art
Art that features hallucinatory images and illogical scenes.
Related Words
dream
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.
absurd
Contrary to reason or logic; wildly unreasonable.
unconscious
Not aware of and not responding to one's surroundings.
Slang Meanings
Bizarre or strange.
That party was surreal, like something out of a movie!
Dreamlike quality in life experiences.
After the news, everything felt kind of surreal to me.