capture the zeitgeist
/ˈkæptʃər ðə ˈtsaɪtɡaɪst/
Meaning
This expression means to perfectly reflect or embody the defining spirit, mood, cultural trends, and ideas of a particular period in history. Derived from German ('Zeit' meaning time, 'Geist' meaning spirit), it is used in formal arts and cultural criticism to praise works that resonate deeply with contemporary society.
Examples
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The dystopian novel managed to capture the zeitgeist of the early 2020s perfectly.
The dystopian novel managed to capture the zeitgeist of the early 2020s perfectly.
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With its focus on remote work and digital isolation, the sitcom really captures the zeitgeist.
With its focus on remote work and digital isolation, the sitcom really captures the zeitgeist.
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Her debut album captured the zeitgeist of teenage angst and internet culture.
Her debut album captured the zeitgeist of teenage angst and internet culture.
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Few filmmakers can capture the zeitgeist of post-war youth culture as well as he did.
Few filmmakers can capture the zeitgeist of post-war youth culture as well as he did.
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The viral documentary captured the zeitgeist, sparking global protests and policy changes.
The viral documentary captured the zeitgeist, sparking global protests and policy changes.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The movie captured the time spirit of the decade.
✓ The movie captured the zeitgeist of the decade.
Time spirit is a literal translation of the German word Zeitgeist, but in English, the loanword zeitgeist must be used.
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✗ The song captured a zeitgeist.
✓ The song captured the zeitgeist.
Because zeitgeist refers to the singular, specific spirit of a particular time, it almost always takes the definite article the.
Related Expressions
Practice
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To write a successful satirical show, you must be able to ___.
💡 reflect the current cultural mood and trends
Show answer
capture the zeitgeist
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Many critics argue that the movie failed to ___ of modern youth.
💡 embody the spirit and attitudes of the current era
Show answer
capture the zeitgeist