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poetic

B1
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pəʊˈɛtɪk/

US

  • /poʊˈɛtɪk/

Description

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Literary style

    The novel is written in a simple but poetic style.

  2. 2

    Imagery

    His speech was full of poetic images of rivers, light, and home.

  3. 3

    Atmospheric scene

    The old train station looked almost poetic in the evening rain.

  4. 4

    Practical needs

    She gave a poetic description of the city, but we needed the exact address.

  5. 5

    Artistic freedom

    The director took some poetic license with the true story.

    • Phrase

      poetic license

      freedom to change facts or rules for artistic effect

  6. 6

    Fair outcome

    It felt like poetic justice when the rude customer got stuck waiting in the longest line.

    • Phrase

      poetic justice

      a result that feels fair because it matches what someone did

  7. 7

    Emotional talk

    My grandfather can wax poetic about the sea for hours.

    • Phrase

      wax poetic about + topic

      talk about it in an emotional or imaginative way for a long time

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • poeticadjective