PICTURESQUE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

picturesque

[ pik-chuh-resk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting:
a picturesque fishing village.
(of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images:
a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.
having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance:
a picturesque hat.

picturesque

/ ˌ��ɪ��ʃəˈ��ɛ�� /

adjective

visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivid
a picturesque view
having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc
(of language) graphic; vivid

Discover More

Derived Forms

ˌ�辱��ٳܰ�ˈ��ܱ��, adverb
ˌ�辱��ٳܰ�ˈ��ܱ�Ա��, noun

Discover More

Other 51�Թ� Forms

�辱��t�ܰ�·��ܱ�l�� adverb
�辱��t�ܰ�·��ܱ�n�� noun
�ܲ�p��·�ٳܰ�·��ܱ� adjective
�ܲ�p��·�ٳܰ�·��ܱ�ly adverb
�ܲ�p��·�ٳܰ�·��ܱ�ness noun

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco ( pittor(e) painter ¹ + -esco -esque ), with assimilation to picture

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

C18: from French pittoresque (but also influenced by picture ), from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor

Discover More

Synonym Study

Picturesque, graphic, vivid apply to descriptions that produce a strong, especially a visual, impression. Picturesque is a less precise term than the other two. A picturesque account, though striking and interesting, may be inaccurate or may reflect personal ideas: He called the landscape picturesque. A graphic account is more objective and factual: it produces a clear, definite impression, and carries conviction. A vivid account is told with liveliness and intenseness; the description is so interesting, or even exciting, that the reader or hearer may be emotionally stirred.

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Dozens of rounds have been ruined on this most picturesque of holes.

From

For many visitors, the cows — quiet herds of Devons, Guernseys and Jerseys happily munching on the flowing grasses — are just one more piece of the picturesque landscape.

From

A fashion show held last week in a picturesque, snow-clad town in Indian-administered Kashmir has sparked a major controversy that is still simmering.

From

Both installments lampooned the wealthy and depicted people dying under tragic circumstances in picturesque locations.

From

Ever since the 31-year-old quit her office job and opened Collector's Cardhouse in the picturesque Hertfordshire village of Chorleywood in April, it has become a destination for fans around the world.

From

Related 51�Թ�s

Browse