philistinism

/θ'filistinizm/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A materialistic attitude or outlook that prioritizes wealth and conventional, often shallow, values over intellectual, artistic, or spiritual pursuits. It describes a mindset that undervalues culture, aesthetics, and higher ideals in favor of practical and financial concerns.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The relentless commercial development of the historic district was criticized as pure philistinism.
    • His philistinism was evident in his dismissal of the art exhibition as "a waste of time and money."
    • The novel satirizes the philistinism of the newly wealthy middle class.
Advanced Usage
  • "Cultural philistinism": A specific emphasis on the disregard for artistic and intellectual culture.
    • The policy of defunding public libraries was an act of cultural philistinism.
Variants and Related Words
  • Philistine (noun): A person who is guided by materialism and is indifferent or hostile to cultural and artistic values.
    • He was labeled a philistine for preferring pop music to classical symphonies.
  • Philistine (adjective): Having or showing the characteristics of a philistine; materialistic and uncultured.
    • Their philistine attitudes towards education were shocking.
Synonyms
  • Materialism: Preoccupation with material rather than spiritual or intellectual pursuits.
  • Anti-intellectualism: Hostility towards or mistrust of intellectuals and intellectual pursuits.
  • Provincialism: Narrow-mindedness or lack of sophistication, often associated with a limited, local perspective.
Idioms and Related Phrases
  • "A philistine attitude": A common phrase used to describe a dismissive or contemptuous stance towards culture and the arts.
    • His refusal to visit the museum revealed a philistine attitude.
Noun
  1. a desire for wealth and material possessions with little interest in ethical or spiritual matters

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