poetics

[ poh-et-iks ]
/ poʊˈɛt ɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

literary criticism treating of the nature and laws of poetry.
the study of prosody.
a treatise on poetry.
(initial capital letter, italics) a treatise or collection of notes on aesthetics (4th century b.c.) by Aristotle.

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well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
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a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
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Origin of poetics

First recorded in 1720–30; see origin at poetic, -ics

Words nearby poetics

poetic justice, poetic licence, poetic license, poeticism, poeticize, poetics, poetize, poetry, poets are born, not made, pogamoggan, pogany

Definition for poetics (2 of 2)

poetic
[ poh-et-ik ]
/ poʊˈɛt ɪk /

adjective Also po·et·i·cal.

noun

poetics.

Origin of poetic

1520–30; < Latin poēticus < Greek poiētikós. See poet, -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM poetic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for poetics

British Dictionary definitions for poetics (1 of 2)

poetics
/ (pəʊˈɛtɪks) /

noun (usually functioning as singular)

the principles and forms of poetry or the study of these, esp as a form of literary criticism
a treatise on poetry

British Dictionary definitions for poetics (2 of 2)

poetic

poetical

/ (pəʊˈɛtɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to poetry
characteristic of poetry, as in being elevated, sublime, etc
characteristic of a poet
recounted in verse

Derived forms of poetic

poetically, adverb
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