picturesque
pik-chuh-RESK
/ˌpɪktʃəˈresk/
Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way; suitable for a painting.
Implies a scenic, rustic, or old-fashioned beauty rather than grand, modern, or imposing majesty.
The story behind the word. Borrowed in the 18th century from the French 'pittoresque,' which in turn came from the Italian 'pittoresco,' meaning 'painterly' or 'in the style of a painter' (from 'pittore,' painter). It originally described landscapes that looked like they belonged in a landscape painting.
Word relationships
- scenic: Scenic refers to broad, beautiful natural views, while picturesque specifically emphasizes a quaint, charming detail that looks like a composed painting.
- unsightly: Ugly or unpleasant to look at, completely lacking visual appeal.
Commonly confused with
- beautiful: Beautiful is a broad term for anything pleasing to the senses, while picturesque is restricted to charming, rustic, or paint-worthy scenes.
Word family
- picturesquely (adverb): In a picturesque manner.
- picturesqueness (noun): The quality of being picturesque.
Collocations
- picturesque village
- picturesque setting
- highly picturesque
- picturesque view
Example sentences
- "The village was incredibly picturesque, with its cobblestone streets, thatched-roof cottages, and colorful flower gardens." Describing a scenic village
Memory hook
Picturesque means a scene is 'picture-esque'—literally looking like a picture or painting. So beautiful it belongs in a frame.
When not to use
Do not use to describe sleek, modern, minimalist skyscrapers or sterile high-tech environments.
Fun facts
- The 'Picturesque' was an actual aesthetic movement in 18th-century Britain, sitting right between the 'Beautiful' (smooth and orderly) and the 'Sublime' (vast and terrifying).
Related words
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