A1 noun Neutral

impressionism

/ɪmˈpreʃənɪzəm/

Impressionism is a style of painting that began in France in the late 1800s. It uses small, thin brushstrokes and bright colors to show how light changes on objects and nature.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I saw a beautiful example of impressionism at the art gallery today.

I saw a beautiful example of impressionism at the art gallery today.

2

The lecture will focus on the origins of French impressionism in the 19th century.

The lecture will focus on the origins of French impressionism in the 19th century.

3

I'm not an expert, but I really dig the vibes of impressionism.

I'm not an expert, but I really dig the vibes of impressionism.

Word Family

Noun
impressionism
Adverb
impressionistically
Adjective
impressionistic
Related
impressionist
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'impression'—the artists wanted to capture a quick 'impression' of a moment before the light changed.

Quick Quiz

Claude Monet is often called the father of ______ because of his unique use of light and color.

Correct!

The correct answer is: impressionism

Examples

1

I saw a beautiful example of impressionism at the art gallery today.

everyday

I saw a beautiful example of impressionism at the art gallery today.

2

The lecture will focus on the origins of French impressionism in the 19th century.

formal

The lecture will focus on the origins of French impressionism in the 19th century.

3

I'm not an expert, but I really dig the vibes of impressionism.

informal

I'm not an expert, but I really dig the vibes of impressionism.

4

Impressionism represented a significant departure from the rigid standards of academic painting.

academic

Impressionism represented a significant departure from the rigid standards of academic painting.

5

The corporate office chose impressionism prints to create a calm atmosphere in the lobby.

business

The corporate office chose impressionism prints to create a calm atmosphere in the lobby.

Word Family

Noun
impressionism
Adverb
impressionistically
Adjective
impressionistic
Related
impressionist

Common Collocations

French impressionism French impressionism
masters of impressionism masters of impressionism
impressionism movement impressionism movement
late impressionism late impressionism
impressionism style impressionism style

Common Phrases

the birth of impressionism

the birth of impressionism

in the style of impressionism

in the style of impressionism

pioneer of impressionism

pioneer of impressionism

Often Confused With

impressionism vs expressionism

Impressionism focuses on light and external scenes, while expressionism focuses on intense emotions and distorted reality.

📝

Usage Notes

Use this word when discussing art history or a specific technique of painting that emphasizes light over detail.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'impressionist' (the person) when they should use 'impressionism' (the style or movement).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'impression'—the artists wanted to capture a quick 'impression' of a moment before the light changed.

📖

Word Origin

From the French 'impressionnisme', named after Claude Monet's painting titled 'Impression, soleil levant' (Impression, Sunrise).

Grammar Patterns

uncountable noun usually capitalized when referring to the historical movement
🌍

Cultural Context

Impressionism is a cornerstone of French cultural heritage and changed the way the world views modern art.

Quick Quiz

Claude Monet is often called the father of ______ because of his unique use of light and color.

Correct!

The correct answer is: impressionism

More art words

drawing

A1

A picture or image created by using a pen, pencil, or crayon rather than paint. It is a fundamental form of visual art that focuses on lines and shading.

masterpiece

A1

A masterpiece is an extremely good piece of work, such as a painting, book, or movie. It is usually the best work that an artist or creator has ever made.

oil paint

A1

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint made by mixing colored pigments with oil, such as linseed oil. It is a popular medium used by artists to create detailed and vibrant artworks on canvas.

charcoal

A1

Charcoal is a black material made by burning wood with very little air. In art, it is used as a stick or pencil for drawing dark lines and shadows on paper.

balance

A1

Balance is how different parts of an artwork are arranged so that they look equal or stable. It means that the visual weight is spread out so the work does not feel lopsided.

graphic design

A1

Graphic design is the art of combining pictures and words to share information or ideas. It is used to make things like posters, websites, and logos look attractive and easy to understand.

mockup

A1

A mockup is a scale or full-size model of a design or device, used for teaching, demonstration, or evaluation. It shows how the final product will look but often does not function.

quilting

A1

Quilting is the activity of making quilts, which are warm blankets made of layers of cloth. It involves sewing two pieces of fabric together with a soft material inside to keep them in place.

carving

A1

A carving is an object or a piece of art made by cutting away material from wood, stone, or other hard substances. It is created using tools like knives or chisels to form a specific shape or pattern.

engraving

A1

An engraving is a picture or design made by cutting lines into a hard surface like metal, wood, or glass. It is often used to decorate jewelry or to create printed art on paper.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free