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

Other Word Forms

• picturesquely adverb
• picturesqueness noun
• unpicturesque adjective
• unpicturesquely adverb
• unpicturesqueness 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

With "no neighbours to upset", the island hosted its own festival for Mr Conner's 50th birthday, complete with a tight-rope performer across the picturesque courtyard.

From BBC

The movie opens with a bird’s-eye view of Los Angeles’ picturesque skylines, reservoirs and grassy hillsides before the bold-faced title appears, accompanied by ominous music courtesy of legendary composer John Williams.

From Los Angeles Times

An intense heatwave has gripped Kashmir, a picturesque Himalayan region dotted with glaciers and known for its cool climate, as temperatures have soared to record-breaking levels this month.

From BBC

In the picturesque community of Eddington, among the tawny deserts and quaint antique shops, things are quickly coming apart at the seams during the final weeks of May 2020.

From Salon

Few scenes convey British pomp and soft power more than the King and Queen in a carriage procession through the picturesque streets of Windsor.

From BBC

Related Words

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