picturesque

The definition of picturesque is something scenic and beautiful.

(adjective)

The view of the sun setting over the water on a perfect summer day is an example of something that would be described as picturesque.

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See picturesque in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. like or suggesting a picture; specif.,
    1. having a wild or natural beauty, as mountain scenery
    2. pleasantly unfamiliar or strange; quaint
  2. suggesting or calling up a mental picture; striking; vivid: a picturesque description

Origin: altered (by assoc. with picture) < Fr pittoresque < It pittoresco < pittore, painter < L pictor, painter < pp. of pingere, to paint

Related Forms:

See picturesque in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Of, suggesting, or suitable for a picture: picturesque rocky shores.
  2. Striking or interesting in an unusual way; irregularly or quaintly attractive: a picturesque French café.
  3. Strikingly expressive or vivid: picturesque language.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of French pittoresque

Origin: , from Italian pittoresco

Origin: , from pittore, painter

Origin: , from Latin pictor; see Pictor

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Related Forms:

  • picˌtur·esqueˈly adverb
  • picˌtur·esqueˈness noun

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