artistic
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɑːtˈɪstɪk/
US
- /ɑrˈtɪstɪk/
Description
- creative
- skilled in the arts
- imaginative
Being artistic isn't just about being able to paint a pretty picture—though it can be! It's about having a knack for expressing yourself creatively, whether through painting, music, writing, cooking, or even the way you solve problems. Think of a chef who plates food like a sculpture; that's artistic flair. Or a writer who uses language in a particularly beautiful and evocative way—that's artistic, too. It suggests a sensitivity to beauty and an ability to bring something new and original into the world. A carpenter building a unique, handcrafted chair is being just as artistic as a painter creating a masterpiece.
The word "artistic" describes someone or something possessing creative skill and imagination, particularly in visual arts, performing arts, or literature. It goes beyond simply being good at art; it implies an inherent talent for aesthetic expression and originality. For example, you might describe a musician with a unique style as "an artistic performer," or praise the "artistic vision" behind a beautifully designed building.
However, "artistic" isn't limited to traditional art forms. A person can be artistic in their approach to problem-solving, finding innovative and elegant solutions that others might miss. Someone who decorates cakes with intricate designs is being artistic, as is a gardener carefully arranging flowers for maximum visual impact. It's about seeing the world through a creative lens and translating those observations into something beautiful or meaningful.
The term can also describe the style of something. A film described as "artistic" might prioritize atmosphere, symbolism, and emotional resonance over straightforward storytelling. An "artistic photograph" may focus on composition, lighting, and abstract concepts rather than simply documenting a scene.
So, while often associated with painting, sculpture, or music, being artistic is fundamentally about possessing—and expressing—creativity in any form. It's a quality that celebrates imagination, skill, and the pursuit of beauty.
Examples
- 1
Creative personality
Maya has always been artistic, so she loved painting and making things by hand.
- 2
Home style
The apartment is small, but her artistic touch makes it feel warm and original.
- 3
Career goals
He left his office job to follow his artistic ambitions.
- 4
Creative freedom
The film changes some details of the real story for artistic license.
Phrase
artistic license
freedom to change facts for creative reasons
- 5
Creative disagreement
The band split up because of artistic differences.
Phrase
artistic differences
disagreements about creative ideas
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- artisticadjective