Final answer:
The Symbolist movement is best described as anti-rationalist, differentiating it from realism by focusing on spiritual and emotional content over objective instances of everyday life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best describes the Symbolist movement is anti-rationalist. Symbolism was an art movement that emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the naturalistic depiction of realist and impressionist art, emphasizing the spiritual, the emotional, and the imaginative. The movement sought to convey the essence of emotion and ideas, often by invoking mysticism and exploring the darker or subtler aspects of the human psyche. Symbolists focused on visions, dreams, and the inner life, as opposed to the external, observable world emphasized in realism. They used symbolic images and metaphors to express these ideas, rather than depicting the world with straightforward accuracy.
Realism, on the other hand, strived for objective depictions of the everyday life and society, rejecting the overly dramatic or romanticized presentations. It focused on portraying subjects truthfully, without artificial embellishment or interpretation, and often spotlighted the stark realities of life.