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picturesque

[ pik-chuh-resk ]
/ ˌpɪk tʃəˈrɛsk /
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adjective
visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting: a picturesque fishing village.
(of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images: a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.
having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance: a picturesque hat.
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Origin of picturesque

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco (pittor(e)painter1 + -esco-esque), with assimilation to picture

synonym study for picturesque

2. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM picturesque

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH picturesque

picaresque, picturesque
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use picturesque in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for picturesque

picturesque
/ (ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk) /

adjective
visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivida picturesque view
having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc
(of language) graphic; vivid

Derived forms of picturesque

picturesquely, adverbpicturesqueness, noun

Word Origin for picturesque

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