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Grotesque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grotesque

[ษกrษ™หˆtษ›sk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

art

Characterized by ludicrous or incongruous distortion, as of appearance or manner.

Synonyms

bizarre, fantastic, weird.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grotesque

Use this word when describing something that is extremely distorted and unnatural in a way that may cause discomfort or shock.

  • The artist's painting was so grotesque that it left many visitors uneasy
  • His attempts to explain the grotesque nature of his sculptures only added to their disturbing impact
bizarre

Use this word when talking about something that is very unusual, odd, or strange, but not necessarily in a disturbing way.

  • Her outfit for the party was quite bizarre, featuring a mix of colors and patterns
  • The movie's plot was so bizarre that no one could predict what would happen next
weird

Use this word to describe something that is strange or unusual, often in a way that is slightly unsettling or difficult to understand.

  • She had a weird feeling that someone was watching her
  • The old house had a weird smell that no one could identify
fantastic

Use this word when referring to something imaginative, extraordinary, or wonderful, often in a whimsical or magical sense.

  • He shared a fantastic story about a dragon and a magical forest
  • The special effects in the science fiction movie were simply fantastic

Examples of usage

  • The film featured a grotesque monster with three heads.
  • The artist created a grotesque sculpture that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
Context #2 | Noun

literature

A style of decorative art characterized by fanciful or fantastic human and animal forms often interwoven with foliage or similar figures that may distort the natural into absurdity, ugliness, or caricature.

Synonyms

absurdity, caricature, distortion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grotesque

Used to describe something that is strange and disturbing in a shocking or exaggerated way. Often evokes a sense of horror or disgust.

  • The abandoned house had a grotesque appearance, with twisted windows and eerie shadows
  • The creature's grotesque features made everyone step back in fear
caricature

Describes a drawing or representation that exaggerates certain features for comic or satirical effect. It is often used to mock or criticize.

  • The artist created a hilarious caricature of the politician, highlighting his exaggerated features
  • The movie portrayed the villain as a caricature of all things evil
distortion

Used when referring to something that has been changed in such a way that it is no longer accurate or true. Often implies a misleading or manipulative alteration.

  • The media's distortion of the facts caused a public outcry
  • The photograph was a clear distortion of reality, making the scene look more dramatic than it was
absurdity

Refers to something that is wildly unreasonable, ridiculous, or lacks logical sense. It is used to highlight something that seems senseless or illogical.

  • The absurdity of the situation left everyone in the room laughing
  • The proposal was met with disbelief due to its sheer absurdity

Examples of usage

  • The Gothic cathedral was known for its grotesque decorations and gargoyles.
  • The novel was filled with grotesques, from deformed creatures to exaggerated characters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • In art history, grotesque styles often included monstrous figures, which were used to evoke humor or horror.
  • Famous artists like Francisco Goya and Salvador Dalรญ used grotesque elements to challenge viewersโ€™ perceptions and provoke thought.
  • The grotesque can be seen in various art movements, including Surrealism, where reality is twisted into the bizarre.

Pop Culture

  • Films like 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and 'Beetlejuice' are great examples of the grotesque, blending horror with whimsy.
  • Comics and graphic novels often embrace the grotesque to create exaggerated characters and situations for comedic or dramatic impact.
  • Popular video games sometimes utilize grotesque imagery for villains or monsters, enhancing the thrill and excitement of the story.

Psychology

  • The grotesque can evoke strong emotional reactions, from laughter to fear, as it disrupts our expectations of normality.
  • Some psychologists believe that experiencing grotesque art can help us confront and process our fears in a safe environment.
  • People may find beauty in the grotesque as it often challenges conventional ideas of aesthetics and normality.

Literature

  • Classic literature often features grotesque characters, like those in 'Frankenstein,' highlighting themes of alienation and societal rejection.
  • Authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens skillfully used grotesque elements to explore human nature and the macabre.
  • In contemporary novels, grotesque imagery allows for the exploration of complex themes, often reflecting societal issues in exaggerated forms.

Origin of 'grotesque'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Italian word 'grottesca,' which referred to decorative arts discovered in ancient Roman caves.
  • Initially, 'grotesque' described paintings and sculptures that featured weird, twisted shapes and fanciful figures.
  • The term evolved in the 18th century to describe any work or portrayal that is absurdly distorted or exaggerated.

The word 'grotesque' originated in the 16th century from Italian 'grottesco' which means 'of a cave' or 'of a grotto'. It was initially used to describe the style of decoration found in Roman grottoes. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to bizarre, distorted, or absurd representations in art and literature.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,659, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.