neorealism

noun

neo·​re·​al·​ism ˌnē-ō-ˈrē-ə-ˌli-zəm 

: a movement especially in Italian filmmaking characterized by the simple direct depiction of lower-class life

neorealist

ˌnē-ō-ˈrē-ə-list 

adjective or noun

neorealistic

ˌnē-ō-ˌrē-ə-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of neorealism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

La Strada marks Fellini’s transition from neorealism to a more lyrical style. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025

That was one of the characteristics of neorealism, to be in real situations. — Michael Schulman, The New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2024

It was heavily influenced by shifts taking place in Italian cinema around the use of neorealism and surrealism. — Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 17 May 2025

Pagnol transformed the style of European cinema by taking the camera outdoors, inspiring Italian neorealism and the Nouvelle Vague. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

neo- + realism (after Italian neorealismo)

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for neorealism

• idealism
• surrealism