Word
pictorial
Phoneticspic·to·ri·al, stress on the second syllable
US/pɪkˈtɔɹiəɫ/
UK/pɪktˈɔːɹɪəl/
Definition
adj. using pictures or drawings to show information or tell a story. You use this when something is visual rather than written in words.
adj. relating to, expressed in, or consisting of pictures. Often used to describe representations that rely on visual imagery rather than text or abstract symbols.
Examples
“The book provides a pictorial history of the city.”
“The museum's new exhibit offers a pictorial record of how the landscape has changed over the last century.”
“While the report contains extensive data, the pictorial representation of the statistics helps the board members grasp the trends more intuitively.”
Examples
simple
“The book provides a pictorial history of the city.”
contextual
“The museum's new exhibit offers a pictorial record of how the landscape has changed over the last century.”
complex
“While the report contains extensive data, the pictorial representation of the statistics helps the board members grasp the trends more intuitively.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun.
Etymology
From Latin pictōrius (“of painting”) + -al, from pictor (“painter”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/pictorial