English Reference
noun · adjective

graphic

n. · adj.
US /ˈɡɹæfɪk/ UK /ɡɹˈæfɪk/ graph·ic

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a picture, map, or graph used to explain information or decorate something.

    n.a visual representation such as a diagram, illustration, or graph used for information or decoration.

    Simple

    The textbook includes a helpful graphic that shows how the water cycle works.

    In context

    The designer incorporated a bold graphic on the cover to ensure the report stood out among more traditional academic publications.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    n.images or animations created by a computer, especially in games or films.

    n.visual images produced by computer processing, typically used in video games, cinema, or user interfaces.

    Simple

    The graphics in this new video game look almost like a real movie.

    In context

    The latest console update significantly improved the rendering of environmental graphics, providing much more realistic lighting and textures.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'graphics' when referring to computer performance.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.giving a very clear and detailed picture of something, especially if it is violent or unpleasant.

    adj.giving a vivid and detailed picture; frequently used to describe explicit depictions of violence or sexual content.

    Simple

    The news report gave a graphic account of the car accident.

    In context

    The documentary was praised for its honesty, though some viewers found the graphic descriptions of the battlefield difficult to endure.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.relating to visual art, drawing, or printing.

    adj.relating to visual art, especially involving drawing, engraving, or lettering.

    Simple

    She is looking for a job in graphic design after finishing her art degree.

    In context

    The artist's graphic style relies heavily on sharp lines and high-contrast colours rather than soft shading.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    adj.describing a pattern in rocks that looks like messy handwriting.

    adj.referring to a texture in igneous rocks where certain minerals grow together in a pattern resembling cuneiform or writing.

    Simple

    The geologist identified the stone as graphic granite because of the strange marks on its surface.

    In context

    The graphic texture of the pegmatite resulted from the simultaneous crystallisation of quartz and alkali feldspar under specific thermal conditions.

Usage graphic novel

Some relatives of Shakur left the courtroom in response to the graphic photographs, while others looked away.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

Graphic t-shirts are a hot fashion trend right now.

NPR· 23 Aug 2026

From Latin graphicus (“belonging to painting or drawing”), from Ancient Greek γραφικός (graphikós, “belonging to painting or drawing, picturesque, of or for writing; of style, lively”), from γραφή (graphḗ, “drawing, painting, writing, a writing, description, etc.”), from γράφω (gráphō, “scratch, carve”) (cognate with English carve).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek γραφικός
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated