Pictorial: meaning, definitions and examples

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pictorial

 

[ pɪkˈtɔːrɪəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

artistic expression

Relating to or consisting of pictures, visual images, or illustrations. Typically used to describe something visually appealing or vivid.

Synonyms

artistic, graphic, illustrative, visual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pictorial

Use this word when referring to something related to pictures or photographs. It often implies a series of images used to tell a story or provide detailed information.

  • The book offers a pictorial history of the town.
  • Her travel blog is very pictorial, with lots of beautiful photos.
visual

This term is used broadly to describe anything related to seeing or sight. It is often used in the context of art, design, or anything that can be viewed.

  • The presentation was very visual, with lots of graphs and charts.
  • She has a strong visual memory and can recall images easily.
graphic

This word is often used for something presented in a visual form, especially involving images or illustrations. It can also imply something explicit or vivid, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

  • The graphic novel was filled with detailed illustrations.
  • The news report included graphic descriptions of the accident.
illustrative

This word is used when something helps to explain or make something clear, often using examples, pictures, or diagrams.

  • The teacher used illustrative examples to explain the math problem.
  • The brochure included illustrative images to help explain the safety procedures.
artistic

This term is used when referring to something creative or related to the arts. It often implies a certain level of skill and beauty.

  • She has an artistic talent for painting.
  • The sculpture is an artistic masterpiece.

Examples of usage

  • The pictorial representation of the sunset was breathtaking.
  • She created a pictorial collage of her favorite memories.
  • The museum featured a pictorial exhibit of famous artists' works.
Context #2 | Adjective

publication

Containing or consisting of pictures, especially photographs. Often used to refer to magazines or books with a strong visual component.

Synonyms

graphic, illustrated, photographic, visual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pictorial

This word is best used when describing something that is expressed in pictures, often highlighting artistic elements. It is commonly used in contexts related to art, illustrations, and visual representations in a broad sense.

  • The museum showcased a beautiful pictorial history of the city.
  • Her pictorial essay won first prize in the competition.
illustrated

Used when talking about something that has been explained or adorned with pictures. Often found in books, articles, and manuals to give a clearer understanding of the content.

  • The children's book was beautifully illustrated.
  • He illustrated his point with several diagrams.
photographic

Best used to describe something that is related to photographs. It can imply high levels of detail and accuracy, similar to what a photograph would capture.

  • She has a photographic memory and can recall details precisely.
  • The photographic evidence was crucial for the investigation.
visual

A broad term used to describe anything related to seeing or sight. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from art and media to everyday situations.

  • She has a strong visual sense and can easily spot design flaws.
  • The presentation was very visual, making it easy to understand.
graphic

Ideal for describing detailed, clear and often vivid or explicit visual elements. The word can have a negative connotation when referring to something explicit or too vivid, such as violence or mature content.

  • The documentary included graphic accounts of the events.
  • She created a graphic diagram to explain the process.

Examples of usage

  • The magazine is known for its pictorial spreads of exotic destinations.
  • The coffee table book is filled with pictorial accounts of the city's history.

Translations

Translations of the word "pictorial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pictórico

🇮🇳 चित्रात्मक

🇩🇪 bildlich

🇮🇩 bergambar

🇺🇦 зображувальний

🇵🇱 ilustracyjny

🇯🇵 絵画的

🇫🇷 pictural

🇪🇸 pictórico

🇹🇷 resimsel

🇰🇷 그림 같은

🇸🇦 تصويري

🇨🇿 obrazový

🇸🇰 obrazový

🇨🇳 图画的

🇸🇮 slikovit

🇮🇸 myndrænn

🇰🇿 бейнелі

🇬🇪 სახატავი

🇦🇿 şəkilli

🇲🇽 pictórico

Etymology

The word 'pictorial' originates from the Latin word 'pictorius', which means 'of painting' or 'of a painter'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century, initially used to describe something related to painting or visual representation. Over time, its usage expanded to include any form of visual imagery or illustration. Today, 'pictorial' is commonly used in art, photography, and publication contexts to denote anything visually appealing or consisting of pictures.

See also: pictures, picturesque.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,664, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.