aesthetics

[ es-thet-iks or, esp. British, ees- ]
/ ɛsˈθɛt ɪks or, esp. British, is- /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR aesthetics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty.

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Also esthetics.

Origin of aesthetics

First recorded in 1815–25; see origin at aesthetic, -ics

Words nearby aesthetics

aesthetical, aesthetically, aesthetician, aestheticism, aestheticize, aesthetics, aestival, aestivate, aestivation, aet., aetatis suae

Definition for aesthetics (2 of 2)

aesthetic

or es·thet·ic

[ es-thet-ik or, esp. British, ees- ]
/ ɛsˈθɛt ɪk or, esp. British, is- /

adjective

noun

Origin of aesthetic

1795–1800; < New Latin aesthēticus < Greek aisthētikós “pertaining to sense perception, perceptible, sensitive” equivalent to aisthēt(ḗs) (see aesthete) + -ikos -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM aesthetic

non·aes·thet·ic, adjectivepseu·do·aes·thet·ic, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aesthetic

acetic aesthetic ascetic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to aesthetics

esthetics

Example sentences from the Web for aesthetics

British Dictionary definitions for aesthetics (1 of 2)

aesthetics

sometimes US esthetics

/ (iːsˈθɛtɪks, ɪs-) /

noun (functioning as singular)

the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of such concepts as beauty, taste, etc
the study of the rules and principles of art

Word Origin for aesthetics

C18: from Greek aisthētikos perceptible by the senses, from aisthesthai to perceive

British Dictionary definitions for aesthetics (2 of 2)

aesthetic

sometimes US esthetic

/ (iːsˈθɛtɪk, ɪs-) /

adjective Also: aesthetical, sometimes US esthetical

connected with aesthetics or its principles
  1. relating to pure beauty rather than to other considerations
  2. artistic or relating to good tastean aesthetic consideration

noun

a principle of taste or style adopted by a particular person, group, or culturethe Bauhaus aesthetic of functional modernity

Derived forms of aesthetic

aesthetically or sometimes US esthetically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for aesthetics (1 of 2)

aesthetics

n.

The study of psychological aspects of beauty, especially with the components thereof as they relate to appearance.

Medical definitions for aesthetics (2 of 2)

aesthetic

adj.

Relating to the sensations.
Relating to esthetics.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Cultural definitions for aesthetics

aesthetics

The branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of art and with judgments concerning beauty. “What is art?” and “What do we mean when we say something is beautiful?” are two questions often asked by aestheticians.

notes for aesthetics

The term aesthete is sometimes used negatively to describe someone whose pursuit of beauty is excessive or appears phony.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.