Meaning & Definition of word "Surrealism"

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.