classicize
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive and intransitive): 1. To make something conform to the principles, style, or models of ancient Greek or Roman art, literature, or culture. 2. To give something a classic character or form; to make something a recognized model of its kind.
Usage
- As a transitive verb, it takes a direct object (e.g., to classicize ).
- As an intransitive verb, it describes the action of adopting a classical style.
Examples
- Transitive use: "The 18th-century architect sought to classicize the façade of the building by adding Doric columns and a triangular pediment."
- Intransitive use: "During the Renaissance, many artists began to classicize, drawing inspiration from recently rediscovered Roman sculptures."
- Transitive use: "The editor helped classicize the modern play's structure, giving it a more unified and timeless feel."
Advanced Usage
- In Art History: The term is often used to describe a conscious artistic movement or decision to reject ornate or contemporary styles in favor of perceived classical purity, balance, and restraint.
- In Literary Criticism: It can refer to revising or composing a work to adhere to classical unities (of time, place, and action) or to emulate the tone and forms of ancient epic or tragedy.
Variants and Related Words
- Classicise: (verb) The British English spelling variant of 'classicize'.
- Classicized (adj.): Describes something that has been made classical in style (e.g., "a classicized portrait").
- Classicism (n.): The general principles or style characteristic of the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome.
- Classicist (n.): A person who advocates or follows the principles of classicism.
Synonyms
- Classicalize (less common)
- Neoclassicize (more specific, referring to the 18th-19th century revival)
- Formalize (in a general sense of making more structured)
- Standardize (in a general sense of making conform to a model)
Antonyms
- Modernize
- Romanticize (in the artistic sense of emphasizing emotion and individualism)
- Deconstruct
Verb
- make classic or classical