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Picturesque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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picturesque

[หŒpษชk.tสƒษ™หˆresk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

scenery

Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way. Having an appearance worthy of being painted or photographed

Synonyms

beautiful, charming, quaint, scenic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
picturesque

Used to describe a place that is visually charming or pleasant in an artistic way.

  • The village was picturesque, with its cobblestone streets and ancient, ivy-covered buildings.
  • She loved the picturesque view of the mountains at sunset.
scenic

Typically referred to locations that offer a pleasing and picturesque view, often natural landscapes.

  • We took a scenic route along the coast.
  • The park is known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere.
charming

Used for something or someone that is attractive and pleasant in a non-threatening, often endearing way.

  • The little cafรฉ was charming, with its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.
  • He had a charming smile that made everyone like him.
quaint

Describes something attractively unusual or old-fashioned. Often used for places or things more than people.

  • They stayed in a quaint old cottage during their trip.
  • The town had a quaint marketplace with handmade crafts.
beautiful

A broad term used to describe anything that gives a strong sense of pleasure and admiration due to its appearance.

  • The flowers in the garden look beautiful in spring.
  • She wore a beautiful dress to the party.

Examples of usage

  • The picturesque village was nestled among the rolling hills.
  • She gazed at the picturesque landscape, captivated by its beauty.
  • The old castle ruins provided a picturesque backdrop for the wedding photos.
  • The artist captured the picturesque scene on canvas.
  • The small town was known for its picturesque architecture.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Artists in the Romantic era often sought picturesque views to capture the beauty of landscapes.
  • The picturesque style emphasized variety and irregularity in composition, leading to captivating and dynamic scenes.
  • Famous painters like Turner and Constable created works that epitomized the picturesque aesthetic, focusing on light and natural beauty.

Tourism

  • 'Picturesque' often describes places that attract tourists due to their striking landscapes and charming architecture.
  • Cities like Santorini in Greece and the Cinque Terre in Italy are frequently labeled as picturesque due to their stunning vistas.
  • Travel guides and brochures often use the term to entice visitors to natural wonders, ensuring a memorable trip.

Literature

  • In literature, a picturesque setting can enhance the story, making scenes more vivid and engaging for readers.
  • Authors like Jane Austen often described picturesque locations to evoke feelings and enrich themes in their novels.
  • The picturesque also serves as a literary device, contrasting beauty with chaos or turmoil in a narrative.

Psychology

  • Viewing picturesque scenes can evoke positive emotions and reduce stress, contributing to mental well-being.
  • Colorful, well-composed visuals are known to increase brain activity in areas associated with pleasure and happiness.
  • Nature therapy often incorporates picturesque environments to promote healing and relaxation.

Origin of 'picturesque'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Italian 'pittoresco', meaning 'in the manner of a painter'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting the Romantic movement's love for beauty in nature.
  • Related terms include 'pictorial', which also refers to something visually interesting or appealing.

The word 'picturesque' originated in the late 17th century, derived from the Italian word 'pittoresco', which means 'in the style of a painter'. It gained popularity in the 18th century in the context of landscape painting and the aesthetic appreciation of natural scenery. The Romantic movement further popularized the concept of the picturesque, emphasizing the beauty of nature and rustic scenes.

See also: pictorial, pictures.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,877 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.