The zeitgeist
Example: The zeitgeist reflects cultural spirit
Definition
"The zeitgeist" refers to the defining spirit or mood of a particular period in history, shaped by the ideas, beliefs, and cultural trends of that time. It captures the collective attitude and intellectual climate influencing society during an era.
Etymology
The term "the zeitgeist" originates from German, where 'zeit' means 'time' and 'geist' means 'spirit' or 'ghost.' It literally translates to 'spirit of the time.' The concept was popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries in philosophical discussions about history and culture.
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"The zeitgeist" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - (C2) - set 1", containing 95 commonly used words.
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