Realism

/ˈrɪəˌlɪz(ə)m/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a style of art or literature that aims to represent familiar things as they are.

The novel was praised for its realism, capturing the struggles of everyday life.

the attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.

His realism about the job market helped him make practical decisions about his career.

a theory in philosophy that universals exist independently of their instances.

In discussions of philosophy, realism contrasts with idealism.

the quality of representing a person or thing in a way that is accurate and true to life.

The director focused on realism in her films, aiming for a documentary-like feel.

From French réalisme, from réel meaning 'real'.

magical realism

A genre that incorporates fantastical elements into otherwise realistic settings.

realism theory

A theory in philosophy or the arts that advocates for representation of reality.

social realism

An art movement that aims to represent the everyday conditions of the working class.

idealism

The practice of pursuing or envisioning ideal outcomes, often in contrast to realism.

naturalism

A style of representation that emphasizes the accurate depiction of life and nature.

verisimilitude

The appearance of being true or real, which is often a goal of realism in literature.

Keeping it real

He's always keeping it real; he never sugarcoats the truth.

No filter

Her social media is all about no filter realism; she shows life as it is.