Futurism

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈfjuːtʊrɪzəm/

Definitions

1. A cultural, artistic, and social movement that originated in the early 20th century, emphasizing modernity, speed, innovation, and the celebration of technological progress. It is particularly associated with the Futurist art movement, which sought to break with tradition and embrace dynamic forms of expression.

2. A belief or philosophy that looks forward to the future and prioritizes advancements in technology, society, and human progress over traditional ways of thinking or living.

3. The use of futurism in science fiction or speculative thought to explore hypothetical, futuristic societies and technologies.

Usage Examples

• "The Futurist artist painted vibrant, dynamic scenes of machines and speed, reflecting his belief in the power of modern technology."
• "In his writings, he embraced futurism, arguing that technological advancements would radically change the human experience."
• "The city's architecture displayed elements of futurism, with sleek, angular structures that seemed to defy gravity."

Etymology

The term "futurism" is derived from the word "future," combined with the suffix "-ism," indicating a doctrine or movement. The movement itself was formally launched in 1909 by the Italian poet Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, who published the Futurist Manifesto, which called for the rejection of traditional forms of art, literature, and culture in favor of embracing speed, technology, and innovation.

Synonyms

• Modernism
• Progressivism
• Innovation
• Technophilia
• Visionary thinking

Antonyms

• Traditionalism
• Conservatism
• Reactionism
• Historicism
• Retrogression

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

There is a slight variation in the pronunciation of "futurism" based on accent and region. In British English, the "u" sound may be pronounced as a short "ʊ" sound, while in American English, it is typically pronounced as "oo" (/ˈfjuːtʊrɪzəm/ vs. /ˈfjuːtɪrɪzəm/).

Historical Usage

Futurism first emerged in the early 20th century as a radical artistic and social movement in Italy, with the publication of Marinetti's Futurist Manifesto in 1909. The movement rejected the past, glorifying speed, technology, and modernity, and was influential in shaping the visual arts, literature, and later, design and architecture. While the movement was short-lived, its ideas influenced other modernist movements and continue to shape contemporary discussions of technological progress and innovation.

Cultural Nuances

Futurism has had a complex cultural legacy. In Western countries, it has often been associated with optimism and the belief in technological progress as a force for societal improvement. However, its embrace of industrialization and technology was not without its critics, particularly those concerned about its impact on traditional values and human connections. In some cultures, futurism has been regarded with skepticism, as it can be perceived as a challenge to cultural preservation and the natural world. Today, futurism is often associated with science fiction, speculative fiction, and the exploration of technological futures.

More Information

Futurism is a multifaceted term with roots in both art and philosophy. As an artistic movement, it was groundbreaking, challenging conventional ideas of beauty and form in favor of energy, motion, and modernity. In its broader philosophical sense, futurism is a way of thinking about the world that is forward-looking, innovative, and often associated with technology, progress, and the human drive to overcome limitations. The influence of futurism can be seen not only in the arts but also in politics, science, and even economics, where ideas of rapid change and the rejection of the past continue to resonate in contemporary society.