Zeitgeist

Noun

Definition: the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time.

Synonyms: Spirit of the age, Spirit of the time

Antonyms: -

Examples:

The zeitgeist of the 1960s was marked by social revolution and counter-cultural movements.
The political climate reflects the current zeitgeist of societal change.

Mnemonics:

Think of "Zeit" as time in German and "geist" as spirit, so "zeitgeist" represents the spirit of a particular time period.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "zeitgeist" originates from German, where "zeit" means "time" and "geist" means "spirit" or "ghost".

Historical Usage:

The concept of zeitgeist was popularized by German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel in the early 19th century, and it has since been widely used to describe the prevailing spirit or mood of a specific period.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Capture the zeitgeist"

Explanation:

To accurately represent or depict the prevailing spirit or mood of a particular time period.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'zeitgeist' with 'spirit of the times'.

Explanation:

"Zeitgeist" and "spirit of the times" essentially have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.