minimalism

Everyday

1. (art, design, music) A style that uses very few, simple shapes, colours or notes, leaving out everything that is not needed. tree →
2. (lifestyle) Living with fewer things and buying only what you really need. tree →

In the lessons

In art lessons, minimalist artworks may be just a few lines or blocks of one colour. In design, minimalism means clean, simple rooms and screens. In music, minimalism repeats simple patterns slowly changing (composers like Steve Reich, Philip Glass). In everyday life, some families choose minimalism to save money and have less clutter; it also links to caring for the environment. Phrases: «a love of minimalism», «minimalism in design».

Examples

• Minimalism uses simple shapes and lots of empty space. tree →
• Our art teacher showed us minimalism with paintings of single squares. tree →
• The new library has a style of minimalism: white walls and plain shelves. tree →
• Minimalism in music repeats short patterns. tree →
• My aunt tried minimalism and gave away half her clothes. tree →
• Minimalism can help the planet by reducing waste. tree →
• Phone apps often use minimalism so they are easy to use. tree →
• Some people find minimalism calming; others find it boring. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Related: minimalist (person or adjective), minimal (very small). Comes from «minimum». Not about being «mini» or tiny in size; it is about simplicity. Not a maths word.