aesthetic means concerned with beauty, artistic effect, or appearance.
aesthetic is pronounced /ɛsˈθɛ.tɪk/.
Why “aesthetic” is a great word
Relating to the appreciation of beauty or to the principles governing the nature and appreciation of beauty, art, and taste. From the Greek aisthētikos ("perceptive, sensitive"), from aisthanesthai ("to perceive"), the modern philosophical sense was established in the 18th century, notably by Alexander Baumgarten, who coined the term 'aesthetics' in 1735. Unlike "decorative" (which implies mere ornament) or "utilitarian" (which concerns pure function), the aesthetic probes a deeper stratum—the philosophy of sensation itself. It is the precise weight of a teacup in the hand, the exact curve of a roofline against the sky, and the particular quality of silence in an empty gallery. It is the quiet, relentless pursuit of why one arrangement of line, light, or sound should stir the soul while another merely passes before the eye.
adj
- Concerned with beauty, artistic effect, or appearance.“It works well enough, but the shabby exterior offends his aesthetic sensibilities.”
- Beautiful or appealing to one's sense of beauty or art.“The design of the lobby cannot be considered particularly aesthetic.”
noun
- The study of art or beauty.
- That which appeals to the senses.
- The set of artistic motifs defining a collection of things, especially works of art; more broadly, their aura or “vibe”.“Her most recent works have this quirky, nonchalant aesthetic inspired by ’90s teen culture.”
Words closest in meaning
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