Pictorial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pictorial
[pɪkˈtɔːrɪəl ]
Definitions
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| illustrative |
This word is used when something helps to explain or make something clear, often using examples, pictures, or diagrams.
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| 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.
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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.
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?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art History
- Pictorial art has roots in ancient cave paintings, where early humans depicted scenes of hunting and daily life.
- The invention of photography in the 19th century transformed how pictorial images are created and perceived.
Communication
- Visual communication through pictorial representations is often more effective than text alone, as humans process images faster.
- Infographics utilize pictorial elements to convey complex information succinctly, making data easier to understand.
Pop Culture
- Graphic novels and comics are a modern form of pictorial storytelling, combining illustrations with text to create narratives.
- Pictorial representations are popular in advertising, where eye-catching images can significantly influence consumer behavior.
Education
- Teachers often use pictorial aids in classrooms to help students visualize concepts and enhance learning.
- Children's books frequently feature pictorial elements to engage young readers and enhance their understanding of the story.
Origin of 'pictorial'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'pictorial' comes from the Latin word 'pictura,' meaning 'painting' or 'a picture.'
- It entered the English language in the early 19th century, originally used to describe artistic representations.
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.