Pronunciation: [vˈɜːɹɪzəm] (IPA) 
Verism is a word that refers to a style of art or literature that focuses on realism and accuracy. The spelling of this word may seem confusing, but it’s pronounced vair-iz-uhm. To break it down even further, the ‘v’ is pronounced like ‘v’ in ‘very’, the ‘air’ sound is like ‘air’ in ‘hair’, the ‘z’ sounds like ‘z’ in ‘zebra’, the ‘uh’ sound is like ‘u’ in ‘up’, and the ‘m’ is pronounced as ‘m’ in ‘man’.
Verism is a term commonly employed in the field of art and literature to describe a style or approach that emphasizes extreme realism. Derived from the Latin word "verus," meaning true or real, verism refers to the artistic depiction or representation of subjects with painstaking accuracy, often portraying every minute detail to create a realistic and lifelike appearance. It focuses on capturing reality as it is, without idealization or embellishment.
In visual arts, verism typically involves meticulous attention to proportions, anatomy, textures, and other physical characteristics to produce works that closely resemble the real world. This style emerged in ancient Greece, particularly during the Hellenistic period, when sculptors started creating highly detailed and personalized portraits of individuals, showcasing even the most minor imperfections.
In literature, verism can be seen in works that truthfully depict everyday life, social issues, and human experiences, relying on realistic dialogue, vivid descriptions, and authentic character development. The aim is to mirror the ordinary, ordinary people, and their struggles without any romanticizing or idealization.
Verism is often associated with naturalism, which is an artistic movement that seeks to depict reality objectively, free from subjective interpretations or filters. However, verism may place even greater emphasis on the meticulous representation of physical attributes and details.
Overall, verism is a concept that strives for utmost realism, immersing viewers or readers in a world that closely resembles their own and highlighting the power of precise observation and replication.
The word "verism" is derived from the Latin word "verus", meaning "true" or "real". It is combined with the suffix "-ism", which indicates a belief, system, or adherence to a particular concept or practice. Hence, "verism" refers to the artistic or literary portrayal of truth or reality, particularly emphasizing realistic and naturalistic elements.
