Zeitgeist

Definition

The defining spirit, mood, or set of beliefs and values that characterize a particular era or period in history. It captures the intellectual and cultural climate of a specific time.

Example Usage

The optimism and idealism of the 1960s captured the zeitgeist of a generation.

Origin

German word composed of 'Zeit' (time) and 'Geist' (spirit), introduced to English in the 19th century.

Fun Fact

The concept has become especially useful in marketing and cultural criticism for explaining why certain ideas, aesthetics, or products resonate at specific historical moments.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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