picturesque

[pik-chuh-resk]

adjective

1. visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting.

   a picturesque fishing village.

2. (of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images.

   a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.

3. having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance.

   a picturesque hat.

picturesque

/ ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk /

adjective

1. visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivid

   a picturesque view

2. having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc

3. (of language) graphic; vivid

Other Word Forms

• picturesquely adverb
• picturesqueness noun
• unpicturesque adjective
• unpicturesquely adverb
• unpicturesqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco ( pittor(e) painter ¹ + -esco -esque ), with assimilation to picture

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

C18: from French pittoresque (but also influenced by _picture ), from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor

Synonym Study

Picturesque, graphic, vivid apply to descriptions that produce a strong, especially a visual, impression. Picturesque is a less precise term than the other two. A picturesque account, though striking and interesting, may be inaccurate or may reflect personal ideas: He called the landscape picturesque. A graphic account is more objective and factual: it produces a clear, definite impression, and carries conviction. A vivid account is told with liveliness and intenseness; the description is so interesting, or even exciting, that the reader or hearer may be emotionally stirred.

Example Sentences

Tucked away in the picturesque German town of Pirna, not far from Dresden, Sonnenstein Castle’s first claim to fame fit its tranquil setting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

She appreciated both the picturesque and the new emphasis on the Romantic.

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On the drive up to the Rose Bowl’s front door, underneath the legendary glowing sign, toward the picturesque purple mountains, there stands the most impactful symbol of the school that plays there.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Even in picturesque California, few landscapes are as stunning — or as fragile — as Big Sur.

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A sunny Saturday morning in Perth, at picturesque Lilac Hill, with an expectation of bad news.

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Related Words

• beautiful 
• charming 
• colorful 
• pleasant 
• quaint 
• scenic