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iconoclast

Noun

IPA /aɪˈkɒnəklæst/

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Meaning in plain English

A person who challenges beliefs, customs or ideas that many people accept.

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Pronunciation

iconoclast/aɪˈkɒnəklæst/

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Most people accept a traditional idea
One person openly challenges it
They encourage a different way of thinking

An iconoclast questions established beliefs and conventions.

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The artist was an iconoclast who questioned what a portrait should look like.
The lecturer encouraged us to study an iconoclast who challenged the field's traditional methods.

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The artist was an ________ who questioned what a portrait should look like.

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iconoclast — A person who challenges beliefs, customs or ideas that many people accept.

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A person who challenges beliefs, customs or ideas that many people accept.

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Word origin

From Greek elements meaning image and break, first used for people who destroyed religious images.

Did you know?

The modern figurative meaning extends the older idea of breaking accepted images.

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