Scenery: meaning, definitions and examples

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scenery

[ˈsiːnəri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

beautiful natural landscapes

Scenery refers to the natural features of a landscape, such as mountains, forests, rivers, and valleys. It is the picturesque view that one can see when looking out at nature. Scenery is often admired for its beauty and can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility.

Synonyms

landscape, view, vista.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scenery	Use when describing the natural beauty of a place, often referring to a larger area. It conveys a general sense of picturesque surroundings. The mountain scenery was breathtaking. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery during our hike.
landscape	Appropriate for discussing the physical features of a specific area, including natural and man-made elements. It is often used in both artistic and technical contexts, such as gardening or painting. The artist spent hours painting the rural landscape. They hired a designer to improve the landscape of their backyard.
view	Best used when referring to what can be seen from a particular place, including both the natural and urban environment. It is often more personal and immediate. The view from our hotel room was stunning. We stopped to admire the view from the top of the hill.
vista	A more poetic or formal term, suitable for describing a wide or extensive panorama, often implying an aesthetically pleasing perspective. The castle provided a magnificent vista of the surrounding countryside. As they reached the summit, a vast vista unfolded before them.

Examples of usage

The scenery in the national park was breathtaking.
We drove through the countryside, enjoying the scenic beauty.
The scenery along the coastline was stunning.
The mountain scenery was rugged and majestic.
The scenery in the painting captured the essence of nature.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

decorative backdrops for a stage

In theater or film, scenery can also refer to the painted backdrops or sets that create the background for the actors. These scenic elements help set the stage and create the atmosphere for the performance.

Synonyms

scenic design, set design, stage backdrop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
scenery	Used to refer to the natural landscape or the visual elements in a theatrical production. Often describes beautiful outdoor views. The countryside offers breathtaking scenery. The scenery in the play was impressive.
set design	Focuses specifically on the creation and arrangement of physical items and visuals that make up the set for a theatrical or film production. The set design was intricate and perfectly matched the story. He specializes in set design for television shows.
stage backdrop	Refers to the background, often a painted cloth or an image, used on stage to create the setting of a scene. The stage backdrop depicted a bustling city street. They changed the stage backdrop for each scene of the play.
scenic design	The art and technique of designing the visual aspects and backgrounds for theater productions, encompassing all elements of staging. Her scenic design for the play earned her an award. Scenic design plays a crucial role in setting the mood of a performance.

Examples of usage

The scenery for the play was elaborate and detailed.
The stage crew worked hard to set up the scenery for the performance.
The painted scenery added depth to the theatrical production.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'skēnē' which means tent or stage, relating to the backdrop in performances.
In the 17th century, 'scenery' started being used in English to describe the landscape viewed in art and nature.

Literature

Many authors use detailed descriptions of scenery to set the mood or create an atmosphere in their stories.
Classic works like Shakespeare's plays often highlighted nature’s beauty in their scenes to reflect characters' emotions.

Art & Photography

Landscape photography aims to capture the essence of scenery, often emphasizing light, texture, and color.
The impressionist art movement focused on portraying scenery as it appeared to the naked eye, celebrating fleeting moments and light effects.

Tourism

Regions with stunning scenery, like the Swiss Alps or the Grand Canyon, attract millions of tourists each year.
Scenic routes, such as California's Pacific Coast Highway, are famous for providing breathtaking views along their paths.

Psychology

Research shows that being in beautiful scenery can reduce stress and improve mood, promoting mental well-being.
Exposure to natural scenery is linked to increased creativity, allowing people to think more broadly and innovatively.

Translations

Translations of the word "scenery" in other languages:

🇵🇹 paisagem

🇮🇳 दृश्य

🇩🇪 Landschaft

🇮🇩 pemandangan

🇺🇦 пейзаж

🇵🇱 krajobraz

🇯🇵 風景 (ふうけい)

🇫🇷 paysage

🇪🇸 paisaje

🇹🇷 manzara

🇰🇷 풍경 (punggyeong)

🇸🇦 منظر طبيعي

🇨🇿 krajina

🇸🇰 krajina

🇨🇳 风景 (fēngjǐng)

🇸🇮 pokrajina

🇮🇸 landslag

🇰🇿 табиғат көрінісі

🇬🇪 ლანდშაფტი

🇦🇿 mənzərə

🇲🇽 paisaje

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,575 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.

...
7572 honestly
7573 fringe
7574 blocking
7575 scenery
7576 filtered
7577 stout
7578 baking
...