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.

Nearby words

poetic licence, poetic license, poetical, poeticism, poeticize, poetics, poetize, poetry, poets are born, not made, pog, pogamoggan

Origin of poetics

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

Definition for poetics (2 of 2)

poetic

[ poh-et-ik ]

/ poʊˈɛt ɪk /

adjective Also po·et·i·cal.

possessing the qualities or charm of poetry: poetic descriptions of nature.

of or relating to a poet or poets.

characteristic of or befitting a poet: poetic feeling; poetic insight.

endowed with the faculty or feeling of a poet: a poetic eulogist.

having or showing the sensibility of a poet: a poetic lover.

of or relating to poetry: poetic literature.

of the nature of or resembling poetry: a poetic composition; poetic drama; poetic imagination.

celebrated in poetry, as a place.

providing a subject for poetry.

of or relating to literature in verse form.

noun

poetics.

Origin of poetic

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

Related forms

po·et·i·cal·ly, adverban·ti·po·et·i·cal, adjectivean·ti·po·et·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·po·et·ic, adjective

pre·po·et·ic, adjectivepre·po·et·i·cal, adjectivepseu·do·po·et·ic, adjectivepseu·do·po·et·i·cal, adjectivequa·si-po·et·ic, adjectivequa·si-po·et·i·cal, adjectivequa·si-po·et·i·cal·ly, adverbun·po·et·ic, adjectiveun·po·et·i·cal, adjectiveun·po·et·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for poetics

With “Poetics of the Gesture,” Nahmad Contemporary proves it is a fresh face at the table.
The Art World’s New Gang War|Anthony Haden-Guest|May 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Without question, the combination of visual moment with written memory reaches to the core of “Beat, Buddhist poetics” itself.
Allen Ginsberg's Beat Memories|Philip Gefter|April 29, 2010|DAILY BEAST
(c) Of Creative works we have only the fragmentary 'Poetics.'
Library Of The World's Best Literature, Ancient And Modern, Vol. 2|Charles Dudley Warner
In his treatises on Poetics and Rhetoric he lays down a theory of art, and establishes principles of beauty.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 1|Various

Another commentator on the Poetics, Maggi , gives a slightly different explanation of Aristotle's meaning.
A History of Literary Criticism in the Renaissance|Joel Elias Spingarn
Come along, invited Marjorie, but first give me a subject for a theme for poetics.
Marjorie Dean College Freshman|Pauline Lester
In a certain passage of Aristotle's Poetics there is a formulation of the requirements of character-drawing in the drama.
A History of Literary Criticism in the Renaissance|Joel Elias Spingarn

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 Formspoetically, 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

Word Origin and History for poetics

poetic

adj.

1520s, from poet + -ic, or else from or influenced by Middle French poetique (c.1400), from Latin poeticus, from Greek poietikos "pertaining to poetry," literally "creative, productive," from poietos "made," verbal adjective of poiein "to make" (see poet). Related: Poetics (1727). Poetic justice "ideal justice as portrayed in plays and stories" is from 1670s. Poetic license attested by 1733.

Earlier adjective was poetical (late 14c.); also obsolete poetly (mid-15c.). Related: Poetically (early 15c.).

poetics

noun (used with a singular verb)

RELATED CONTENT

Nearby words

Origin of poetics

Definition for poetics (2 of 2)

poetic

adjective Also po·et·i·cal.

noun

Origin of poetic

Examples from the Web for poetics

British Dictionary definitions for poetics (1 of 2)

poetics

noun (usually functioning as singular)

British Dictionary definitions for poetics (2 of 2)

poetic

poetical

adjective

Word Origin and History for poetics

poetic