Graphic: meaning, definitions and examples

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graphic

 

[ ˈɡrafɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

design

relating to visual art or visual representations, especially those that are produced on a computer

Synonyms

artistic, visual, visual art.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
graphic

Best used to describe detailed images, designs or visual elements, often related to design and media. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to explicit or disturbing content.

  • She specializes in creating graphic designs for marketing campaigns.
  • The movie contains graphic scenes that may not be suitable for children.
visual

Used to describe anything that can be seen or is related to the sense of sight. It's commonly used in contexts like media, presentations, and any form of visual communication.

  • The presentation included several visual aids to help explain the concept.
  • The film's visual effects were breathtaking.
artistic

Ideal for expressing creativity and imagination, often associated with various forms of art and creation. It highlights the skill and beauty in the work.

  • Her artistic talent is evident in every painting she creates.
  • He has an artistic approach to problem-solving.
visual art

Specifically refers to art forms that are primarily visual in nature, such as painting, sculpture, photography, and more. It is a broad term encompassing various mediums and styles.

  • He studied visual art in college, focusing on sculpture and painting.
  • The museum features a stunning collection of visual art from around the world.

Examples of usage

  • graphic design
  • graphic artist
  • graphic novel
Context #2 | Noun

design

a visual representation or design, especially in the form of a chart or illustration

Synonyms

chart, illustration, visual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
graphic

Used in a variety of settings, particularly in design and digital media, to refer to visual elements like images or diagrams that help explain content. Can also imply something that is vividly detailed or explicit, often in a negative or disturbing sense.

  • The graphic on the website effectively captures the brand's identity.
  • The documentary included some graphic scenes of war.
visual

A broad term used to refer to any element that can be seen, often in the context of making information easier to understand or more engaging, particularly in media, marketing, and education.

  • The teacher used visuals to help students understand the concept.
  • The advertisement was very visual and caught everyone's attention.
illustration

Frequently used in books, articles, and educational materials, referring to pictures or drawings created to explain or decorate text.

  • The children's book is full of colorful illustrations.
  • He provided an illustration to clarify his point.
chart

Commonly used in data presentation and business contexts to represent numerical data or statistics visually using graphs, pie charts, bar charts, etc.

  • The sales chart shows a steady increase in revenue over the last quarter.
  • She used a pie chart to illustrate the market share of each company.

Examples of usage

  • infographic
  • computer graphics
  • graphic representation
Context #3 | Adjective

detailed

clear and vivid, providing a detailed visual description

Synonyms

detailed, explicit, vivid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
graphic

Similar to the previous description of 'graphic', used to refer to explicit and detailed content, often related to violence or adult themes. It is used to emphasize the raw and unfiltered nature of the content.

  • The news report was graphic and difficult to watch.
  • The artist's work is known for its graphic depiction of human suffering.
detailed

Used when describing something that has a lot of information or specifics. It is often used in contexts like reports, plans, and explanations where precision and thoroughness are important.

  • She gave a detailed description of the crime scene.
  • The detailed report helped the team understand the project's scope.
vivid

Used to describe something that is very clear, bright, or detailed in a way that makes it easy to imagine or remember. Often used for descriptions in storytelling, art, or memories.

  • She has vivid memories of her childhood.
  • The painting's vivid colors really stand out.
explicit

Used to describe something that is clearly and directly expressed, often related to sexual content or strong language. It carries a connotation of something being too direct or not suitable for all audiences.

  • The book contains explicit content that may not be suitable for younger readers.
  • He gave explicit instructions on how to complete the task.

Examples of usage

  • graphic description
  • graphic account

Translations

Translations of the word "graphic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gráfico

🇮🇳 ग्राफिक

🇩🇪 grafisch

🇮🇩 grafis

🇺🇦 графічний

🇵🇱 graficzny

🇯🇵 グラフィック (グラフィック)

🇫🇷 graphique

🇪🇸 gráfico

🇹🇷 grafik

🇰🇷 그래픽

🇸🇦 رسومي

🇨🇿 grafický

🇸🇰 grafický

🇨🇳 图形 (túxíng)

🇸🇮 grafičen

🇮🇸 grafískur

🇰🇿 графикалық

🇬🇪 გრაფიკული

🇦🇿 qrafik

🇲🇽 gráfico

Etymology

The word 'graphic' originated from the Greek word 'graphikos', meaning 'of or for writing, belonging to drawing'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century. Over time, 'graphic' evolved to encompass visual representations and designs, especially in the context of art and technology.

See also: autograph, graph, grapheme, graphing, graphite, monograph, xylograph.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,483 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.