picturesque

[ pik-chuh-resk ]

adjective

1. visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting:

   a picturesque fishing village.

2. (of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images:

   a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.

3. having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance:

   a picturesque hat.

picturesque

/ ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk /

adjective

1. visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivid

   a picturesque view

2. having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc
3. (of language) graphic; vivid

Derived Forms

• ˌpicturˈesquely, adverb
• ˌpicturˈesqueness, noun

Other Words From

• pictur·esquely adverb
• pictur·esqueness noun
• unpic·tur·esque adjective
• unpic·tur·esquely adverb
• unpic·tur·esqueness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco ( pittor(e) painter ¹ + -esco -esque ), with assimilation to picture

Word History and Origins

Origin of picturesque¹

C18: from French pittoresque (but also influenced by picture ), from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor

Synonym Study

Picturesque, graphic, vivid apply to descriptions that produce a strong, especially a visual, impression. Picturesque is a less precise term than the other two. A picturesque account, though striking and interesting, may be inaccurate or may reflect personal ideas: He called the landscape picturesque. A graphic account is more objective and factual: it produces a clear, definite impression, and carries conviction. A vivid account is told with liveliness and intenseness; the description is so interesting, or even exciting, that the reader or hearer may be emotionally stirred.

Example Sentences

The Oakland recall against Thao, meanwhile, was heavily funded by hedge fund executive Philip Dreyfuss, who lives in Piedmont, a picturesque city surrounded by Oakland’s borders.

From Los Angeles Times

A festival in Mozart’s picturesque birthplace at the foot of the Austrian Alps, a city that attracts hordes of summer tourists along with well-heeled audiences in formal dress, may not exactly suit L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

“She said YES,” White wrote with an Instagram carousel of photos from the picturesque proposal.

From Los Angeles Times

But young people from cities - like Moxi - have flocked to remote towns, drawn by low rents, picturesque landscapes and greater freedom to chase their dreams.

From BBC

On Monday, the league surrendered: After four years of annual Nike-designed All-Star uniforms, the league confirmed it would scrap the special All-Star outfits and reclaim one of the sport’s most picturesque traditions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beautiful
• charming
• colorful
• pleasant
• quaint
• scenic