aesthetics

American  

[es-thet-iks, ees-] / ɛsˈθɛt ɪks, is- /

Or esthetics

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. 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.

2. the study of the mind and emotions in relation to the sense of beauty.

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aesthetics British  

/ iːsˈθɛtɪks, ɪs- /

noun

1. the branch of philosophy concerned with the study of such concepts as beauty, taste, etc

2. the study of the rules and principles of art

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aesthetics Cultural  

1. 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.

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Discover More

The term aesthete is sometimes used negatively to describe someone whose pursuit of beauty is excessive or appears phony.

Etymology

Origin of aesthetics

First recorded in 1815–25; aesthetic, -ics

Example Sentences

A big benefit of the aesthetics world of Botox and beauty treatments is that patients pay cash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

The category covers a wide range of specialities, from general practice to skin complaints, women's health, and aesthetics.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

"It was really about the aesthetics of the piece," he added.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

It wasn’t just aesthetics and aroma that inspired Marantos to garden.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

He brings his sense of beauty and aesthetics and discernment of character to the staging of Truman shows.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove