zeitgeist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zeitgeist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the spirit or mood of a particular period in history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time. Example: "The film captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s, reflecting the social upheaval and cultural changes of that era."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Meanwhile Mrs Prada – the living, breathing personification of the word zeitgeist – sent out invitations to view her new collections (notice the plural).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While it has a handful of shows, none of them have really caught the zeitgeist.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"To me it's not unexpected, I think she's kind of going with the zeitgeist in terms of how she campaigns," Zaid Jilani, a progressive writer, told the Guardian.

The Guardian

If you fill your card, it means we have a stone-cold zeitgeist on our hands.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That maybe true, but this after all is motorsport – a world that perpetually trails so far behind the zeitgeist, it should by rights have been swept up by the broom wagon decades ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Aside from Wendy's "Tena Lady moment" there's not much zeitgeist surfing to be done here, which actually serves to heighten the timeless Pinteresque intensity of the piece (yes, the word "piece" actually feels suitable this week).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When I see my young friends opening another food market or something similar, they seem to be strangely out of touch with this new zeitgeist," said Tsentsiper.

The Guardian

Woolley and Karlsen have done something important and their film is radiating in the zeitgeist: feminism is stirring again and the chronicle of those nice, dangerous women is being aired all over the place – in cinemas, schools, blogs and on the streets.

The Guardian

It was ever so, of course – Hollywood has long struggled with capturing the zeitgeist.

The Guardian - Film

Their Look Back In Anger adaptation was a flop but Saltzman and Woodfall caught the fleeting zeitgeist – and hit paydirt – with Saturday Night And Sunday Morning, making a star of Albert Finney.

The Guardian - Film

To twerk or not to twerk may be the zeitgeist question, but whatever answer you come up with, you're still telling women how they should present their own bodies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zeitgeist" to add depth and sophistication to your writing when describing the prevailing cultural, intellectual, or political climate of a particular era. However, ensure your audience understands the term or provide context to avoid confusion.

Common error

Don't limit "zeitgeist" to just trends or fads. It encompasses a broader range of cultural, intellectual, and political factors shaping a specific period, reflecting deeper societal shifts and values.

Linguistic Context

The term "zeitgeist" functions primarily as a noun, referring to the defining spirit or mood of a particular period in history. Ludwig confirms that "zeitgeist" is grammatically correct. The examples illustrate its role in capturing cultural and intellectual trends.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "zeitgeist", meaning the spirit or mood of a particular period, is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively describes and analyzes prevailing atmospheres, lending sophistication to formal writing. Related phrases include "spirit of the times" and "prevailing mood". A key writing tip is to use "zeitgeist" to add depth, but be mindful of audience comprehension. Avoid limiting its meaning to mere trends; it encompasses broader cultural and intellectual factors. Understanding these aspects ensures accurate and impactful use of "zeitgeist".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spirit of the times

Replaces "zeitgeist" with a more common and easily understandable expression, focusing on the prevailing attitude.

spirit of the age

A classic and direct synonym for "zeitgeist", widely recognized and understood.

prevailing mood

Focuses on the emotional atmosphere that characterizes a specific period, offering a slightly different nuance.

cultural climate

Highlights the dominant cultural trends and norms of a particular era, shifting the emphasis from spirit to culture.

temper of the age

Similar to "spirit of the age" but with a slightly different emphasis on the overall feeling or disposition.

tenor of the times

Emphasizes the general character or direction of a period, similar to "zeitgeist" but with a slightly more formal tone.

current trends

Focuses on the contemporary fashions and ideas that are popular, simplifying the concept of "zeitgeist".

dominant ideology

Highlights the leading beliefs and values that shape a society's thinking during a specific time, adding an ideological dimension.

popular sentiment

Emphasizes the widespread feelings and opinions held by the public, reflecting the general mood.

collective consciousness

Refers to the shared beliefs, ideas, and moral attitudes which operate as a unifying force within society, which represents a broader sociological concept.

FAQs

How can I use "zeitgeist" in a sentence?

Use "zeitgeist" to describe the defining spirit or mood of a particular period. For example, "The film captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s, reflecting the social upheaval and cultural changes of that era."

What's a simpler way to say "zeitgeist"?

You can use alternatives like "spirit of the times", "prevailing mood", or "cultural climate" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "zeitgeist" in formal writing?

Yes, "zeitgeist" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing historical or cultural trends. It adds a layer of sophistication and precision to your analysis.

What's the difference between "zeitgeist" and "trend"?

"Zeitgeist" refers to the overarching spirit or intellectual climate of a period, while a "trend" is a specific fashion, style, or preference that is popular at a particular time. The "zeitgeist" provides the broader context in which trends emerge and evolve.