verism

noun

ve·​rism ˈvir-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce verism (audio) ˈver- How to pronounce verism (audio)
: artistic use of contemporary everyday material in preference to the heroic or legendary especially in grand opera
verist
ˈvir-ist How to pronounce verism (audio)
ˈver-
noun or adjective
veristic
vir-ˈi-stik How to pronounce verism (audio)
ver-
adjective

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian verismo, from vero "true" (going back to Latin vērus) + -ismo -ism — more at very entry 2

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of verism was in 1892

Rhymes for verism

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Browse Nearby Words

verisimilous
verism
verismo
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Verism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/verism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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