zeitgeist
Say it: TSYTE-gyste /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ · noun
What “zeitgeist” means
The mood and ideas that define a particular time.
More precisely: The defining spirit, mood or ideas of a particular period.
Example: “The film captured the zeitgeist of the remote-work era perfectly.”
When to use it
When discussing how films, fashions or attitudes reflect their time, usually in thoughtful cultural conversation.
Memory trick
German Zeit means time and Geist means spirit: the spirit of a time.
Similar words
spirit of the age, mood of the times, ethos
Where it comes from
German Zeit 'time' and Geist 'spirit'.
Quick check
Films, clothes and conversations all reflect the same new optimism sweeping the country. What are they capturing?
nostalgia or zeitgeist?
Show the answer
zeitgeist
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “zeitgeist”