poetics

[poh-et-iks]

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.

Origin of poetics

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

poetic

[poh-et-ik]

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

Contemporary Examples of 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
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

Historical Examples of poetics

He was then writing his commentary on the Poetics of Aristotle.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)
Isaac D'Israeli
I am just finishing again Aristotle's "Poetics," which I first read in 1856.
George Eliot's Life, Vol. III (of 3)
George Eliot
I have to write a theme for poetics to be handed in tomorrow morning.
Marjorie Dean College Freshman
Pauline Lester
(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
Mary laughed his sentiment to ridicule and his poetics to scorn.
The Claim Jumpers
Stewart Edward White

British Dictionary definitions for poetics

poetics

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

poetic

poetical

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.).