English Dictionary

Definition of “zeitgeist

zeitgeist (ˈzaɪtˌɡaɪstPronunciation for zeitgeist

Definitions

noun

  1. the spirit, attitude, or general outlook of a specific time or period, esp as it is reflected in literature, philosophy, etc

Word Origin

C20: from German, literally: time spirit; see tideC20: from German, literally: time spirit; see 1, , ghost

Usage examples

  • The'2003 year-end Google zeitgeist ' lists the most popular of more than 55billion searches conducted on Google during the past year.
    Spiked (2004)
  • A mother of two adult children, Kate and Ben, Buttrose has always had a knack for tapping into the zeitgeist.
    Courier, Sunday Mail (2005)
  • Art and fashion may come from the same background and share a zeitgeist ; ingenious historians may find sign systems common to both.
    Independent (1998)
  • It seems that how we move our bodies is a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist.
    Amoda, MOVING INTO ECSTASY: An Urban Mystic's Guide to Movement, Music and Meditation (2001)

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