Acmeist is a word that describes a literary movement in Russia in the early 20th century. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈæk.mi.ɪst/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by a combination of "cm" which is pronounced like "k-m". The second syllable consists of a long "i" sound and the ending is pronounced with a short "i" sound that rhymes with "list". The spelling of this word can be tricky, but with a little practice, it can be easily mastered.
Acmeist, as a noun, refers to a person or member of a literary movement known as Acmeism. Acmeism was a short-lived Russian poetic movement that emerged in the early 20th century, around 1910, in reaction to the dominant Symbolist movement. Acmeists sought to establish a more concrete and focused form of poetry that emphasized clarity, precision, and directness of language. The term "acme" itself means the highest point or peak of something, and Acmeists aimed to achieve this pinnacle in their poetic expression.
Acmeism rejected the Symbolist tendency towards abstraction, mysticism, and elaborate imagery, favoring instead a more objective and concrete approach. Acmeists advocated for the use of everyday language, vivid imagery, and precise descriptions to convey emotions and experiences. The movement was characterized by clear and defined imagery, well-crafted verses, and a rejection of complex metaphysical ideas.
Led by poets such as Nikolay Gumilyov and Anna Akhmatova, Acmeism had a significant influence on Russian poetry during its brief existence. However, it gradually faded away as the political circumstances of the time shifted and other literary movements gained prominence.
In summary, an Acmeist is a person associated with the Acmeist movement, a Russian literary movement of the early 20th century that emphasized clarity, precision, and directness in poetry, rejecting the abstract tendencies of Symbolism.
The word "Acmeist" is derived from the Greek word "akme", which means "highest point" or "peak". The Acmeist movement in literature originated in Russia in the early 20th century. Led by poets such as Nikolay Gumilyov and Sergei Gorodetsky, the Acmeists sought to emphasize precise language, clarity, and directness in their poetry. The term "Acmeist" was used to describe these poets and their works, reflecting their pursuit of reaching the highest artistic expression.