ALLONGEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Allongement is a noun originating from the French language which is commonly used in the field of art and design. It refers to the act, process, or result of elongating or elongated. Allongement encompasses the concept of extending or lengthening something, either in a physical or metaphorical sense.
In the realm of visual arts, allongement often refers to the technique of intentionally exaggerating the proportions of a subject to create a sense of elongation and elegance. This technique has been frequently employed in various artistic styles throughout history, such as the Mannerist movement in the 16th century. By distorting the natural proportions of human figures or objects through allongement, artists sought to enhance the sense of gracefulness, poise, and refinement.
In a broader sense, allongement can also be used metaphorically to describe the extension or stretching of anything beyond its original state or normal limits. This extension could pertain to physical objects, abstract concepts, or even time durations. For example, in architectural or engineering contexts, allongement may refer to the lengthening of a structural element to improve its stability or distribution of weight.
Overall, allongement conveys the idea of lengthening or stretching beyond the ordinary. Its usage extends beyond the artistic realm and can be applied to various contexts, depicting both physical and metaphorical extensions or elongations.
Etymology of ALLONGEMENT
The word "allongement" comes from the French language. It is derived from the verb "allonger", which means "to lengthen" or "to elongate". The suffix "-ment" is added to the verb to form a noun, indicating the action or result of the verb. Therefore, "allongement" refers to the act or process of lengthening or elongating something.
