telegenic

American  

[tel-i-jen-ik] / ˌtɛl ɪˈdʒɛn ɪk /

adjective

1. having physical qualities or characteristics that televise well; videogenic.

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telegenic British  

/ ˌtɛlɪˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. having or showing a pleasant television image

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Other Word Forms

• telegenically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of telegenic

First recorded in 1935–40; tele(vision) + -genic

Explanation

Anyone who's telegenic looks great onscreen. If you want to be a TV meteorologist, you'll need to study a lot of science, but you'll also have to be telegenic. Some people are telegenic because they're just so attractive, with a physical appearance that appeals to most viewers. Others just seem to have a charismatic way of relating to the camera that makes them suited to being on television (or in movies or videos). Most newscasters and movie stars are undeniably telegenic. The word telegenic was coined in 1937, a combination of television and photogenic.

Example Sentences

Telegenic and technically impeccable, Biles is a once-in-a-lifetime gymnast, an unquestioned star in a marquee Olympic sport.

From Slate • Jul. 28, 2021

Telegenic, with a fraternity president demeanor, Mr. Ratcliffe grew up in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, the youngest of six children born to educators.

From New York Times • Mar. 19, 2020

Telegenic John F. Kennedy seemed born in front of a television camera, a "cool" medium, while the great general Dwight D. Eisenhower, born in 1890 in Kansas, conquered television through careful coaching and practice.

From US News • Feb. 1, 2016

Telegenic and assertive, he vigorously defended Israel’s policies on CNN, “The Colbert Report” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.”

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2013

Telegenic or not, a president or a TV star has little, if any, impact on our fulfillment in the interconnected world of our time.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

Related Words

• televised