landscape
LAND-skayp
/ˈlændskeɪp/
All the visible features of an area of land, viewed in terms of aesthetic appeal; also horizontal image orientation.
Highlights broad natural countryside like valleys, forests, and mountains.
The story behind the word. Imported into English from Dutch painters ('landschap') during the 17th century. Dutch masters popularized pure countryside painting, turning a term for regional territory into a major genre of fine art.
Word relationships
- scenery: Scenery is subjective background view, whereas landscape refers to physical land formations.
- terrain: Terrain emphasizes physical ground conditions and navigation difficulty.
- portrait: Portrait orientation is vertical and subject-focused, while landscape orientation is horizontal and scenic.
Commonly confused with
- cityscape: Cityscape refers specifically to urban architectural environments rather than open terrain.
Word family
- landscaping (noun): Designing and modifying outdoor gardens or grounds.
Collocations
- dramatic landscape
- rugged landscape
- landscape mode
Idioms & expressions
- the political landscape
Example sentences
- "The dramatic volcanic landscape of Iceland attracts photographers from all across the globe." Nature expedition
Memory hook
LAND-SCAPE: The natural SHAPE (-scape) of the LAND. Natural scenic views of land.
When not to use
Do not use for dense urban streetscapes without natural terrain features (use 'cityscape').
Fun facts
- Before Dutch landscape painters gained fame in the 1600s, European painters rarely depicted nature on its own; scenery was merely background for biblical figures.
Related words
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