Meaning & Definition of word "Surrealism"

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    Surrealism

    /səˈrilˌɪzəm/

    noun:

    • 1. A 20th-century artistic and literary movement characterized by the exploration of the unconscious mind, dream imagery, and irrational juxtapositions.
      • Example: The painting showcased the essence of surrealism, with its bizarre figures and dreamlike landscapes.
    • 2. A style of art and literature that seeks to challenge the conventional perceptions of reality and explore the illogical and fantastical.
      • Example: Many poets of the early 20th century were heavily influenced by surrealism in their exploration of subconscious themes.
    • 3. The quality or state of being surreal; an experience or representation that is bizarre or dreamlike.
      • Example: 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 of surrealism

    Meaning: Bizarre or strange.

    Example Sentence: That party was surreal, like something out of a movie!

    Meaning: Dreamlike quality in life experiences.

    Example Sentence: After the news, everything felt kind of surreal to me.