Landscape Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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landscape

[หˆlรฆnd.skeษชp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

beautiful natural scenery

Landscape refers to the visible features of an area of land, especially when they are considered in terms of their aesthetic appeal. It includes physical elements such as mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, and forests, as well as human-made structures like buildings and roads.

Synonyms

panorama, scenery, view.

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Word Description / Examples
landscape

Used when describing the overall appearance and features of an area of land, particularly in artistic or photographic contexts.

  • The artist painted the landscape with exceptional detail
  • The landscape of the countryside is breathtaking
scenery

Commonly used to describe the natural features of an area that are visually attractive. Often used in travel and tourist contexts.

  • We enjoyed the beautiful scenery during our hike in the mountains
  • The scenery along the coast is truly stunning
view

Refers to what can be seen from a particular place, often emphasizing the perspective or scene visible from a specific point.

  • The view from the hotel balcony is amazing
  • I love the view of the sunset over the ocean
panorama

Refers to an extensive and unbroken view of a wide area, often used when describing visuals that include everything visible from a particular vantage point.

  • From the top of the tower, there is a stunning panorama of the entire city
  • The movie offers a wide panorama of historical events

Examples of usage

  • The landscape of the countryside was breathtaking with its rolling hills and lush greenery.
  • She painted a stunning landscape of a tranquil lake surrounded by colorful autumn trees.
Context #2 | Verb

to change the appearance of an area of land

To landscape means to improve the aesthetic appearance of a piece of land by altering its contours, adding ornamental features, planting trees and flowers, and so on. It is often done to enhance the beauty of a garden, park, or outdoor space.

Synonyms

beautify, design, embellish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
landscape

Duplicate word; see the first entry for applicable context and examples.

beautify

Appropriate when talking about making a place more beautiful, often in terms of cleaning, decorating, or adding ornamental features. Can be used for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

  • Volunteers gathered to beautify the community center.
  • We decided to beautify our living room with new furniture.
design

Used when focusing on planning and creating a layout or structure, often related to both architecture and aesthetic purposes. Applicable to both interiors and exteriors.

  • The architect will design the new city square.
  • She loves to design modern, minimalist interiors.
embellish

Typically refers to adding decorative elements to make something more attractive, often used in a positive sense but can imply overdoing or adding unnecessary details.

  • They decided to embellish the wedding venue with flowers and ribbons.
  • He likes to embellish his stories to make them more interesting.

Examples of usage

  • They hired a professional landscaper to landscape their backyard and create a relaxing oasis.
  • The city council decided to landscape the public square to make it more inviting for residents and visitors.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • During the Renaissance, landscapes became popular subjects in art, showcasing detailed representations of nature.
  • Famous artists like Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh transformed landscape painting with their unique styles and use of color.
  • The Hudson River School, a 19th-century American art movement, focused on romanticizing American landscapes.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, landscapes are central to national identities, reflecting a countryโ€™s natural beauty and heritage.
  • Folklore and stories often use landscapes as settings that shape narratives, influencing characters and events.
  • In indigenous cultures, specific landscapes are imbued with spiritual significance, linking people to their ancestors.

Environmental Science

  • Landscapes are studied in ecology to understand ecosystems and how they interact with human activities.
  • Urban landscapes are reshaped continuously by development, affecting local habitats and biodiversity.
  • Sustainable landscape practices aim to balance human needs with preserving natural environments.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that viewing natural landscapes can reduce stress and improve mood, promoting mental well-being.
  • The concept of 'prospect refuge' in psychology indicates that people prefer environments that offer views (prospects) while providing shelter (refuge).
  • Certain landscapes can evoke memories and emotions, influencing human behavior and creativity.

Origin of 'landscape'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Dutch word 'landschap,' which originally described a portion of land.
  • In its early usage, 'landscape' referred not only to the land itself but also to artistic representations of it, like paintings.
  • The word entered the English language in the 16th century and evolved to include both natural and urban scenery.

The word 'landscape' originated from the Dutch word 'landschap', which referred to a painting representing natural scenery. It entered the English language in the 16th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not just visual representations but also the actual physical features of land. The concept of landscape has played a significant role in art, literature, and environmental studies, reflecting humanity's relationship with the natural world.


See also: inland, land, landfill, landform, landholder, landing, landline, landlocked, landlord, landmark, landmarks, landmass, Landowner, landowners, landscaper, landscaping, upland.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,609, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.