Word
pornographic
Phoneticsporno·graph·ic
US/ˌpɔɹnəˈɡɹæfɪk/
UK/pˌɔːnəɡɹˈæfɪk/
Definition
adj. describing books, movies, or pictures that show sexual acts in a very clear and direct way. It is usually used to talk about material that people find offensive or that is meant only for sexual excitement.
adj. containing explicit descriptions or displays of sexual organs or activity intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings. Often carries a legal or moral judgment regarding the lack of serious artistic or scientific value.
Examples
“The store was fined for selling pornographic magazines to minors.”
“The committee debated whether the explicit scenes in the novel were pornographic or served a legitimate artistic purpose.”
“Legal definitions of what constitutes pornographic material often hinge on the 'community standards' test, which attempts to distinguish between protected artistic expression and obscenity.”
Examples
simple
“The store was fined for selling pornographic magazines to minors.”
contextual
“The committee debated whether the explicit scenes in the novel were pornographic or served a legitimate artistic purpose.”
complex
“Legal definitions of what constitutes pornographic material often hinge on the 'community standards' test, which attempts to distinguish between protected artistic expression and obscenity.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'erotic' in academic or legal discussions.
Real-World Examples
“Later, Bowery’s performance at the Freedom Bar in Soho was reported as pornographic and cancelled by Westminster Council in November 1994.” “The Enchanter is neither pornographic nor shocking in the necessary way: it is, in a curious way, too weighed down by conscience.” Etymology
From pornography + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/pornographic