aesthetics
[ es-thet-iks or, esp. British, ees- ]
/ ɛsˈθɛt ɪks or, esp. British, is- /
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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RELATED WORDS
Nearby words
aesthetical, aesthetically, aesthetician, aestheticism, aestheticize, aesthetics, aestival, aestivate, aestivation, aet., aetatis suae
Also esthetics.
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
SYNONYMS FOR aesthetic
Related forms
non·aes·thet·ic, adjectivepseu·do·aes·thet·ic, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples 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
- relating to pure beauty rather than to other considerations
- 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
aesthetically or sometimes US esthetically, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine 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.
Medicine 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.
Culture 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.
Note
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.