aesthetics
or es·thet·ics
[ es-thet-iks or, especially British, ees- ]
/ ɛsˈθɛt ɪks or, especially British, is- /
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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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Words nearby aesthetics
aesthetic distance, aesthetician, aestheticism, aestheticize, aesthetic labour, aesthetics, aesthetic surgery, aestival, aestivate, aestivation, aet.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for aesthetics
British Dictionary definitions for aesthetics
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
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
aesthetics
n.
The study of psychological aspects of beauty, especially with the components thereof as they relate to appearance.
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.