Poetic: meaning, definitions and examples

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poetic

 

[ pəˈɛtɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

literature

Relating to or characteristic of poetry. Showing the qualities of poetry, especially in being imaginative and emotional.

Synonyms

artistic, expressive, lyrical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poetic

Often used to describe something that has qualities similar to poetry, such as beauty, emotion, or imagination. It can also mean something that naturally evokes a sense of profound beauty or deep thought.

  • The description of the sunset was so poetic that it brought tears to her eyes.
  • His poetic vision of the future was both inspiring and thought-provoking.
lyrical

Often associated with poetry and music, 'lyrical' describes writing or speech that is highly musical, emotional, and often romantic. It suggests an outpouring of pure, rhythmic, and well-arranged emotion.

  • His lyrical prose captured the essence of his love story.
  • The song's lyrical beauty made it an instant classic.
expressive

Typically used to indicate the capability of conveying thoughts, feelings, or emotions effectively. It can apply to people, as well as art forms like music, dance, and literature.

  • Her expressive eyes told a story without the need for words.
  • The actor's performance was incredibly expressive, captivating the entire audience.
artistic

Used to describe anything related to art or artists. It often implies skill, creativity, and an appreciation for beauty, and it can refer to visual arts, music, dance, or other forms of creative expression.

  • She has an artistic flair that makes her paintings truly unique.
  • The artistic design of the building catches everyone's attention.

Examples of usage

  • Her poetic language painted a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
  • The sunset cast a poetic glow over the horizon.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Having an imaginative or sensitively emotional style or quality.

Synonyms

artistic, expressive, lyrical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
poetic

Used when describing language or content that is especially beautiful, imaginative, or expresses deep feelings, often associated with poetry. It can be used to describe works that evoke vivid imagery and emotional resonance.

  • Her writing has a deeply poetic quality that transports the reader to another world.
  • The landscape looked almost poetic in the soft, morning light.
lyrical

Suitable for describing something that has a musical or song-like quality. It often implies a rhythmic, flowing, and emotional style, typically used in the context of writing, speech, or music.

  • His lyrical prose captivated the readers with its melody and rhythm.
  • The poem has a lyrical quality that makes it almost song-like.
expressive

Used when describing something that effectively conveys emotions or thoughts. This adjective is suitable for both art and everyday communication, emphasizing the impact of the message or expression.

  • Her expressive eyes told a story of their own.
  • The dancer's performance was incredibly expressive, capturing the audience's attention.
artistic

Applicable when referring to someone or something that exhibits creativity, especially in visual arts like painting, sculpture, or design. This word can also be used more broadly to describe anything that shows aesthetic beauty or craftsmanship.

  • His artistic skills are evident in every piece he creates.
  • The city's artistic culture is thriving with numerous galleries and exhibitions.

Examples of usage

  • The movie was a poetic masterpiece.
  • The dancer moved with a poetic grace.

Translations

Translations of the word "poetic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 poético

🇮🇳 काव्यात्मक

🇩🇪 poetisch

🇮🇩 puitis

🇺🇦 поетичний

🇵🇱 poetycki

🇯🇵 詩的

🇫🇷 poétique

🇪🇸 poético

🇹🇷 şiirsel

🇰🇷 시적인

🇸🇦 شاعري

🇨🇿 poetický

🇸🇰 poetický

🇨🇳 诗意的

🇸🇮 poetičen

🇮🇸 ljóðrænn

🇰🇿 поэтикалық

🇬🇪 პოეტური

🇦🇿 poetik

🇲🇽 poético

Etymology

The word 'poetic' comes from the Middle French word 'poetique' and the Latin word 'poeticus', both of which derive from the Greek word 'poietikos', meaning 'creative'. The term has been used to describe the qualities of poetry and imaginative expression since ancient times, reflecting the human desire to capture beauty and emotion in artistic form.

See also: poetaster, poeticize, poetize, poetizer, poetry, poets.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,928 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.