Classicistic

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Referring to a style that emphasizes traditional forms and principles found in classical art and literature
2. Describing an approach that seeks to emulate or draw inspiration from the classical styles in various creative disciplines
3. Relating to a manner that prioritizes and replicates the esteemed conventions of ancient artistic and literary traditions

Etymology: "Classicistic" is a plain formation: it takes "classicist", a person who follows classical models in art or literature, and adds the suffix "-ic", which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "of or relating to" the thing named. So a classicistic building or poem is one that imitates the style of classical antiquity, and the word simply describes that quality. The word's most distinctive feature is its possible German influence. Its formation may have been shaped by the German "klassizistisch", which suggests the English term was modeled on a continental pattern rather than built independently. The English "classicist" is the older base, so the adjective was made to fit it.

Synonyms: classical, traditional, antique, timeless, historic

Antonyms: modern, contemporary, avant-garde, innovative, futuristic