Photographic: meaning, definitions and examples

📸
Add to dictionary

photographic

 

[ˌfəʊ.təˈɡræf.ɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in the field of photography

relating to or produced by photography

Synonyms

graphic, picturesque, visual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
photographic

Used when referring to something related to photographs or photography.

  • She has a photographic memory and can recall images in great detail
  • The exhibition showcased her photographic works
visual

Used when discussing anything related to sight or the act of seeing. Often used in topics discussing images, art, or presentations.

  • The presentation included many visual elements to keep the audience engaged
  • He's a visual learner and prefers to see information in charts and diagrams
picturesque

Used to describe something that is visually charming or striking, like a picture. Often refers to scenic landscapes or charming settings.

  • The village is so picturesque, it's like stepping into a fairy tale
  • They took a picturesque route through the mountains
graphic

Used to describe something that involves visual art, especially with strong and vivid imagery. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to explicit content.

  • The graphic design of the poster is very eye-catching
  • The movie contains graphic scenes that may not be suitable for children

Examples of usage

  • The exhibition features some of the most iconic photographic works of the 20th century.
  • She has a keen eye for capturing beautiful photographic moments.
Context #2 | Adjective

in general context

resembling a photograph in accuracy or detail

Synonyms

accurate, precise, realistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
photographic

Used when something is incredibly detailed and true to life, often used for memory or reproduction.

  • He has a photographic memory, remembering every detail exactly as it happened
realistic

Used for descriptions or representations that closely resemble real life, often in art, fiction, or expectations.

  • The artist's painting was so realistic that it looked like a photograph
accurate

Appropriate when referring to information, measurements, or descriptions that are correct and free of errors.

  • The scientist provided an accurate measurement of the chemical composition
precise

Best used when emphasizing exactness and specificity, often in scientific or technical contexts.

  • Please be precise when giving me the coordinates

Examples of usage

  • His memory of the event was so vivid, it was almost photographic.
  • The artist's attention to detail in the painting was truly photographic.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Greek 'photos', meaning 'light', and 'graphos', meaning 'drawing' or 'writing'.
  • It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century as photography began to develop.
  • The concept combines light and writing, illustrating how images are created through light exposure.

Science

  • Photographic memory, also known as eidetic memory, allows some people to recall images, sounds, or objects with high precision.
  • Studies suggest that true photographic memory is extremely rare, with many claiming to have it being inaccurate in tests.
  • The brain’s ability to encode and recall images is linked to regions responsible for visual processing.

Cultural Impact

  • Photography has transformed how we document history, influencing journalism, art, and social movements.
  • Photographs often serve as powerful tools for storytelling, capturing moments that define cultural importance.
  • Instant photography, like Polaroid, revolutionized how people share experiences by making memories tangible.

Art

  • In visual arts, photographic techniques have influenced everything from Impressionism to contemporary art.
  • Artists use photography as a medium to explore realism and abstraction, creating conversations about perception.
  • Many famous photographers, like Ansel Adams and Cindy Sherman, pushed the boundaries of both technique and thematic exploration.

Technology

  • With advances in technology, digital cameras and editing software have enhanced photographic capabilities dramatically.
  • Smartphones have made photography accessible to almost everyone, fostering a culture of instant sharing.
  • Drones and high-tech equipment are now used to capture photos from unprecedented angles, expanding creative possibilities.

Translations

Translations of the word "photographic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fotográfico

🇮🇳 फोटोग्राफिक

🇩🇪 fotografisch

🇮🇩 fotografi

🇺🇦 фотографічний

🇵🇱 fotograficzny

🇯🇵 写真の

🇫🇷 photographique

🇪🇸 fotográfico

🇹🇷 fotoğrafik

🇰🇷 사진의

🇸🇦 فوتوغرافي

🇨🇿 fotografický

🇸🇰 fotografický

🇨🇳 摄影的

🇸🇮 fotografski

🇮🇸 ljósmyndunar-

🇰🇿 фотографиялық

🇬🇪 ფოტოგრაფიული

🇦🇿 fotoqrafik

🇲🇽 fotográfico

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,660 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.