Horatianism
- noun
- /həˈreɪʃənˌɪzəm/
- Literature
- Writers employing Horatianism often use gentle humor to critique social customs rather than direct attack.
Examples
-
The novel's humor reflects a subtle Horatianism that makes it enjoyable.
-
Many critics appreciate the Horatianism in his poetry.
-
Her essays were models of Horatianism, offering witty but kindly observations on human folly.
-
The professor explained how Horatianism differs from other forms of satire in both style and intent.
-
Writers employing Horatianism often use gentle humor to critique social customs rather than direct attack.
-
Her essays were models of Horatianism, offering witty but kindly observations on human folly.
-
The professor explained how Horatianism differs from other forms of satire in both style and intent.
Synonyms
79
5.4
Writing or speech that uses funny, sharp words to show people's faults
How Satirical
- Literature
1
9.9
1
7.9
- Literature
79
5.4
59
4.9
- Literature
- US
690
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
Horatianism = Horatian (opaque) = Horatian + ism
The suffix '-ism' denotes a style or movement, but the specific literary style requires knowledge of Horace's works.
Etymology
Horatianism comes from the Roman poet Horace, whose name gives Horatian, and the ending -ism which means 'a practice or style'. Horace wrote gentle, witty poems that mock human faults kindly, so Horatianism means a mild, polite kind of satire that teases people or customs rather than attacking them.