How do I use the word 'zeitgeist' in a sentence?

Question

Hi, I'm taking an English Literature exam tomorrow and today our class was given a list of words which would be good to use in our essays.

This list included 'zeitgeist' which means the same as 'spirit of the age'. As in "John Fowles captures the spirit of the [Victorian] age through his pastiche of a Victorian novel"

But "Fowles captures the zeitgeist through his pastiche of a Victorian novel" frankly sounds ridiculous. How WOULD I use it in a sentence?

I think it's a great word and I'd like to use it instead of 'spirit of the age' should the opportunity should arise; however, I don't want to use it incorrectly.

Can anyone help?

Answer 1

It's a grand word. One of the things I'd suggest is to write a sentence using the phrase "spirit of the age, " and then rewrite it using "zeitgeist" in the same place.

The second example you used above might do well if you write it:

"Fowles captured the Victorian zeitgeist through his pastiche..."

I hope that helps and good luck on the exam.

Answer 2

first - look up the definition of the word so you clearly understand it's meaning...http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/zeitgeist

then give it a shot - the definition also provides a sample sentence

your example above isn't bad - it sounds odd because zeitgeist is an odd word that isn't used often

good luck

Answer 3

I felt the zeitgeist in the painting of the Samurai Era.

Answer 4

No-one can get away with using the word "zeitgeist" without sounding utterly pompous, unless it's Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.