How Do You Spell DEMUTH?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛmʌθ] (IPA)

The word "demuth," pronounced /dəˈmuθ/, is a tricky one to spell. Its origins lie in Middle Low German, where the word meant "humility." In English, this word is often spelled "demit" or "démeute," but "demuth" is thought to be the most accurate. The reason for the unusual spelling is that the "th" represents a theta sound, pronounced like the "th" in "thick." The "u" is pronounced like the "oo" in "boot." So, that's how "demuth" is spelled and pronounced – bet you didn't know that before!

DEMUTH Meaning and Definition

1. "Demuth" is a term of German origin that has been incorporated into the English language. It refers to a style of painting that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily associated with the post-World War I artistic movement known as Neue Sachlichkeit or New Objectivity.

   Derived from the surnames of the two key artists associated with this style, Otto Dix and George Grosz, the term "Demuth" encompasses a genre of art characterized by its realistic and highly detailed depictions of everyday life. This style aimed to present an objective representation of the world, often highlighting social and political issues, with particular focus on the hardships, disillusionment, and desperation that followed the devastation of war and the subsequent economic and social turmoil.

   Demuth paintings often featured urban landscapes, portraits, and still life compositions, rendered with precision and meticulous attention to detail. The artists of this movement sought to expose societal problems and challenge existing norms through their works, offering a critical perspective on the modern condition. The Demuth style typically employed muted colors and stark contrasts, reflecting a sense of starkness and emotional detachment.

   In summary, "demuth" refers to a style of painting associated with Neue Sachlichkeit or New Objectivity, characterized by realistic and detailed depictions of everyday life, often focusing on social and political issues following World War I.

Etymology of DEMUTH

The word "demuth" is of German origin. It comes from the Middle High German word "demüt", which means "humility" or "submission". The term originated from the Proto-Germanic word "damutaz", which also conveyed the sense of being submissive or meek. This ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰéǵʰōm, meaning "to tame" or "to subdue". In English, the word is often transliterated as "demuth" to maintain its Germanic roots, but it can also be written as "demut" without the -h.

Similar spelling words for DEMUTH

• dent,
• denude.