1. Plural of atticist; scholars, writers, or speakers who advocate for or practice Atticism, the imitation of classical Athenian Greek language and style.
Usage: historical; literary; often capitalized when referring to the ancient movement
2. Advocates of refined, elegant language and style modeled on classical Greek standards; those who favor purity and simplicity in expression.
Usage: literary criticism; formal register

Examples

• The atticists of the Roman period sought to preserve the purity of classical Greek.
• Ancient atticists rejected Hellenistic innovations in favor of traditional Athenian forms.
• Modern atticists in literary circles advocate for clarity and elegance in prose.
• The movement of atticists influenced how educated Romans viewed Greek language.
• Scholars debate whether the atticists were too rigid in their adherence to classical standards.
• The atticists believed that imitation of the ancients was the path to excellence.