romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈman-tə-ˌsi-zəm 

rə-

1

often Romanticism

a(1)

: a literary, artistic, and philosophical movement originating in the 18th century, characterized chiefly by a reaction against neoclassicism and an emphasis on the imagination and emotions, and marked especially in English literature by sensibility and the use of autobiographical material, an exaltation of the primitive and the common man, an appreciation of external nature, an interest in the remote, a predilection for melancholy, and the use in poetry of older verse forms

(2)

: an aspect of romanticism

b

: adherence to a romantic attitude or style

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

rō-ˈman-tə-sist 

rə-

noun

often Romanticist

Examples of romanticism in a Sentence

Try not to discourage the romanticism of college students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Long in the works, Vini Reilly’s first album in 16 years distills minimalism, romanticism, and ambient into a sort of universal music. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

That being said, these sleek knee-high boots give this oversized look an especially chic feel, while the lace-trim slip skirt adds a hint of romanticism. — Drew Elovitz, InStyle, 28 July 2026

For me, this version of romanticism is intertwined with a distinctly British point of view. — Alex Eagle, Vogue, 26 July 2026

A little nostalgic romanticism is nifty, and Slate is certainly banking on that emotional pull. — Sara Lacey, The Drive, 25 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing romanticism

• pre-romanticism

Rhymes for romanticism

• activism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism
• calvinism

Kids Definition

romanticism

noun

ro·​man·​ti·​cism rō-ˈmant-ə-ˌsiz-əm 

1

often capitalized : a literary and artistic movement marked chiefly by an emphasis on the imagination and emotions

2

: the quality or state of being romantic

romanticist

-səst 

noun often capitalized