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poetical

B1
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /pəʊˈɛtɪkəl/

US

  • /poʊˈɛtɪkəl/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. having the beauty, imagination, or feeling of poetry

  2. relating to poetry or poets

Beyond the definition

"Poetical" does not just mean about poetry. It describes something that has the beauty, feeling, or imaginative quality of poetry. Think of a sunset so moving that it feels like a line from a poem: that is the kind of thing this word points to. It can describe language, music, scenery, or even a person's way of seeing the world.

The word often has a slightly old-fashioned or romantic tone. A character in a novel might have a "poetical soul," meaning they are dreamy, sensitive, and strongly moved by beauty. You would not usually call a spreadsheet poetical, but you might use it for moonlight on water or a deeply expressive piece of writing.

Examples

  1. 1

    Natural description

    The novel opens with a poetical description of the sea at dawn.

  2. 2

    Practical contrast

    His speech was full of poetical phrases, but the plan itself was very practical.

  3. 3

    Published poems

    The library has an old edition of her poetical works.

    • Usagepoetical works

      poems, especially in a formal or old-fashioned title

  4. 4

    Moral outcome

    It felt like poetical justice when the dishonest judge was finally exposed in court.

    • Phrasepoetical justice

      a satisfying ending where good is rewarded or bad is punished

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • poetical language
  • poetical imagery
  • poetical style
  • poetical works

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • poeticaladjective