cinematic

American  

[sin-uh-mat-ik] / ˌsɪn əˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. having to do with movies, as either an industry or an art form.

   The book explores Andy Warhol's cinematic work, focusing on ten films in detail.

2. (of a movie) showing a high level of artistry; grand and visually impressive.

   This film is filled with sweeping, cinematic shots of the surrounding countryside, to the point where the setting almost becomes a third character.

3. having qualities or using techniques associated with good movies, such as drama, emotional intensity, visual or sonic artistry, epic narrative, etc..

   Poetic and strikingly cinematic, her exquisitely written novel illuminates the strange tightrope we are all walking in the radically altered landscape post-9/11.

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noun

1. (in a video game) a short video or scripted event scene between stages of interactive play, often to introduce a new level, develop a character, or advance the plot.

   This year's NHL game has a lot of the same animations, cinematics between faceoffs, commentary tracks, and graphics.

Other Word Forms

• cinematically adverb
• uncinematic adjective

Etymology

Origin of cinematic

cinemat(ograph) ( def. ) + -ic

Example Sentences

“Dog Day Afternoon” makes for a largely diverting evening, but like many if not most stage versions of beloved films it never entirely succeeds at laying to rest the ghosts of its cinematic past.

From The Wall Street Journal

In December, it announced a multiyear deal with Disney to license more than 200 characters from the entertainment giant’s cinematic universe.

From The Wall Street Journal

The chariot race scene is one of the most iconic in cinematic history, and took over a year to plan and film.

From The Wall Street Journal

Jennifer Hessler, a professor of cinematic arts, said streamers are focused on how “to make their stuff discoverable and win the word of mouth war.”

From Los Angeles Times

Under his stewardship, “Survivor” is more cinematic, reimagined through the lens of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey,” and family friendly.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pictorial
• visual
• vivid