poetic

[poh-et-ik]

adjective

1. possessing the qualities or charm of poetry.

   poetic descriptions of nature.

2. of or relating to a poet or poets.

3. characteristic of or befitting a poet.

   poetic feeling; poetic insight.

4. endowed with the faculty or feeling of a poet.

   a poetic eulogist.

5. having or showing the sensibility of a poet.

   a poetic lover.

6. of or relating to poetry.

   poetic literature.

7. of the nature of or resembling poetry.

   a poetic composition; poetic drama; poetic imagination.

8. celebrated in poetry, as a place.

9. providing a subject for poetry.

10. of or relating to literature in verse form.

noun

1. poetics.

poetic

/ pəʊˈɛtɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to poetry

2. characteristic of poetry, as in being elevated, sublime, etc

3. characteristic of a poet

4. recounted in verse

Other Word Forms

• poetically adverb
• antipoetical adjective
• antipoetically adverb
• nonpoetic adjective
• prepoetic adjective
• prepoetical adjective
• pseudopoetic adjective
• pseudopoetical adjective
• quasi-poetic adjective
• quasi-poetical adjective
• quasi-poetically adverb
• unpoetic adjective
• unpoetical adjective
• unpoetically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of poetic¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin poēticus, from Greek poiētikós; equivalent to poet + -ic

Example Sentences

It’s so meaningful to her, almost poetic, that the sport courts escaped relatively unscathed.

From Los Angeles Times

Wiese says Folds was the ideal person to “take the mantle” from Guaraldi: “He brings a modern thing and his lyrics are so poetic; on his albums he always touches your heart.”

From Los Angeles Times

No one waxes poetic about which particular brand of mayo brings out yellow squash’s best side.

From Salon

Hawley has a penchant for poetic concepts, literary references, political inferences and out-of-the-mainstream ideas that may not always make perfect sense, but his ambition shows through.

From Los Angeles Times

"Vague or overly poetic names will underperform, especially if the party is meant to be a corrective force," he says.

From BBC