ENGLISH
REFERENCE

poetic

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //poʊˈɛtɪk// UK //pəʊˈɛtɪk// po·et·ic

adj. having a beautiful or emotional quality like a poem. You use this to describe writing, movements, or even a person's way of speaking.

adj. possessing the qualities or style characteristic of poetry; exhibiting beauty, rhythm, or emotional intensity. Often used to describe artistic expression or graceful movement.


SIMPLE

The dancer moved with poetic grace.

CONTEXTUAL

The film's ending was a poetic tribute to the director's childhood in the countryside.

COMPLEX

While the technical manual was dry and functional, the author's introduction offered a poetic reflection on the human desire to build and create.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle French poetique, from Latin poeticus, from Ancient Greek ποιητικός (poiētikós) from ποιέω (poiéō, “make”). Doublet of poietic.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb.

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