fin de siecle (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun (used as an adjective)

Phonetic Transcription

/fɪn də ˈsiːɛkl/

Meaning and Usage

"Fin de siècle" is a French term that translates literally to "end of the century." In English, it's used to refer to the period near the end of the 19th century, characterized by a sense of cultural, artistic, and social change, often marked by a pessimistic outlook towards the future and themes of decadence. The term may also apply to modern signifiers of societal change or decline at the end of any era.

The term is relatively specialized and might be found more frequently in written contexts, particularly in literature and scholarly discussions, rather than in everyday oral speech.

Example Sentences

1. The art movement of the fin de siècle displayed a break away from traditional styles and embraced modernity.
   Translation: Литовское художественное движение конца века демонстрировало отход от традиционных стилей и принятие современности.

2. Many writers of the fin de siècle period grappled with themes of existential angst and societal decay.
   Translation: Многие писатели периода конца века боролись с темами экзистенциальной тоски и упадка общества.

3. The architecture of the fin de siècle often features ornate designs and a blend of styles indicative of that cultural moment.
   Translation: Архитектура конца века часто отличалась замысловатыми дизайнами и сочетанием стилей, характерных для этого культурного момента.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "fin de siècle" itself is a fixed expression, related idiomatic phrases often revolve around themes of endings and transformations. Here are a few illustrative examples:

1. "The fin de siècle mood was palpable in the literature of the time, foreshadowing the upheaval that the new century would bring."
   Translation: Атмосфера конца века была ощутима в литературе того времени, предвещая смятение, которое принесет новый век.

2. "Artists at the fin de siècle often felt trapped between nostalgia for the past and anxiety about the future."
   Translation: Художники конца века часто чувствовали себя в ловушке между ностальгией по прошлому и тревогой о будущем.

3. "In many ways, the fin de siècle represented a bridge between the Victorian era and the modern world."
   Translation: Во многих отношениях конец века представлял собой мост между викторианской эпохой и современным миром.

Etymology

The term "fin de siècle" originates from French, where "fin" means "end" and "siècle" means "century." It began to be used in the 19th century to denote the cultural movements and sentiments perceived at the close of that century.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- End of an era - Turn of the century

Antonyms:
- Beginning of the century - New dawn

"Fin de siècle" encapsulates a moment in cultural history that resonates with feelings of both culmination and transition, making it a significant term in literary and artistic discussions.