poetic

American  

[poh-et-ik] / poʊˈɛt ɪk /

adjective

1. possessing the qualities or charm of poetry.

   poetic descriptions of nature.

2. of or relating to a poet or poets.

3. characteristic of or befitting a poet.

   poetic feeling; poetic insight.

4. endowed with the faculty or feeling of a poet.

   a poetic eulogist.

5. having or showing the sensibility of a poet.

   a poetic lover.

6. of or relating to poetry.

   poetic literature.

7. of the nature of or resembling poetry.

   a poetic composition; poetic drama; poetic imagination.

8. celebrated in poetry, as a place.

9. providing a subject for poetry.

10. of or relating to literature in verse form.

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noun

1. poetics.

poetic British  

/ pəʊˈɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to poetry

2. characteristic of poetry, as in being elevated, sublime, etc

3. characteristic of a poet

4. recounted in verse

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Other Word Forms

• antipoetical
  adjective
• antipoetically
  adverb
• nonpoetic
  adjective
• poetically
  adverb
• prepoetic
  adjective
• prepoetical
  adjective
• pseudopoetic
  adjective
• pseudopoetical
  adjective
• quasi-poetic
  adjective
• quasi-poetical
  adjective
• quasi-poetically
  adverb
• unpoetic
  adjective
• unpoetical
  adjective
• unpoetically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of poetic

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin poēticus, from Greek poiētikós; equivalent to poet + -ic

Explanation

Anything poetic either relates to the art of poetry or has the romantic images of poetry. A great speech can be poetic. An orange-red sunset at the beach can also be poetic. The word poetic comes from the Greek poietikos for "pertaining to poetry." A poetic drama is one written in verse. Anything romantic or lyrical is also poetic. A painter’s use of colors could be poetic. Poetic justice happens when you set a trap to catch a rabbit but get caught in it yourself. If you get carried away with a metaphor, you use poetic license. Don’t try to drive with it! Poetic language doesn’t get you out of any tickets.

Example Sentences

Dante Alighieri's Inferno may contain more than religious symbolism and poetic imagination.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

“It felt like all of these emotional arcs and themes in my life and poetic moments that had just happened were clicking into place.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

He wouldn't elaborate about any poetic licence being taken in the movie.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

With each instructive and poetic chapter, she shows us how time used to be measured by birdsong and flower bud, the color of twilight and the wide wheel of stars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

“Really, my dude? You wanna explain that magnificent feat of poetic analysis for us?”

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older