WordGarden.iopoetic
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pəʊˈɛtɪk/
US
- /poʊˈɛtɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
having the beauty, imagination, or emotional quality of poetry
relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry
Beyond the definition
Something poetic can simply mean related to poetry, but people also use it for things that feel beautiful, expressive, or full of feeling. A line in a novel may be poetic because of its rich language. A quiet sunset or a moving song can also be called poetic if it creates a strong, graceful mood. The word often suggests beauty, imagination, and careful expression.
The word comes from "poetry," but its use has grown wider. A person may be called poetic if they speak or write in a vivid, thoughtful way. Writing, music, places, and even small actions can seem poetic when they carry beauty or meaning beyond the ordinary. Shakespeare's plays are often called poetic, but so is a simple moment that feels quietly powerful.
The word poetic first means connected with poetry. It can describe poems themselves, the style of poetry, or language that sounds like poetry. For example, someone may talk about poetic form, poetic language, or a poetic voice.
It is also often used more broadly for anything that feels especially beautiful, expressive, or full of quiet meaning. In that sense, poetic does not have to involve a poem at all. A landscape can be called poetic if its beauty creates a deep feeling. A piece of music can seem poetic if it moves you in a gentle but powerful way. Even a small action can be described as poetic when it feels graceful or deeply meaningful.
The term is often used for language. Poetic language usually uses strong images, careful rhythm, and sometimes figures of speech such as metaphor or simile. It aims to do more than just give information; it tries to create a feeling or picture in the mind. A novel may open with a poetic sentence, and a speaker may be described as poetic if their words are rich and memorable.
While the word usually has a positive tone, it does not only mean pretty. It often suggests that something rises above plain, direct expression and carries extra feeling, beauty, or imagination. Because of that, people use it for writing, music, scenes in nature, and meaningful moments in life. In short, poetic can mean either "related to poetry" or "having the beauty or feeling we often connect with poetry."
Examples
- 1
Literary style
The novel is written in a simple but poetic style.
- 2
Imagery
His speech was full of poetic images of rivers, light, and home.
- 3
Atmospheric scene
The old train station looked almost poetic in the evening rain.
- 4
Practical needs
She gave a poetic description of the city, but we needed the exact address.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Artistic freedom
The director took some poetic license with the true story.
- Phrasepoetic license
freedom to change facts or rules for artistic effect
- 6
Fair outcome
It felt like poetic justice when the rude customer got stuck waiting in the longest line.
- Phrasepoetic justice
a result that feels fair because it matches what someone did
- 7
Emotional talk
My grandfather can wax poetic about the sea for hours.
- Phrasewax poetic about + topic
talk about it in an emotional or imaginative way for a long time
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- poeticadjective