English Reference
adjective · noun

scenic

adj. · n.
US /ˈsinɪk/ UK /sˈiːnɪk/ scenic

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.having beautiful natural views that are pleasant to look at.

    adj.characterised by beautiful or impressive natural scenery; picturesque.

    Simple

    We took the scenic route through the mountains instead of the fast highway.

    In context

    The train journey offers a scenic transition from the industrial outskirts to the lush, rolling hills of the countryside.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'the scenic route' to mean a longer but more beautiful path.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Theatre

    adj.relating to the painted backgrounds or decorations used on a theatre stage.

    adj.pertaining to the stage scenery or visual representation of a setting in a theatrical production.

    Simple

    The play was famous for its amazing scenic effects and lighting.

    In context

    The production's scenic design was praised for its minimalist approach, using only light and shadow to suggest a vast forest.

    Usage

    Usually precedes the noun it modifies, such as 'scenic design' or 'scenic artist'.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency InformalTechnical Theatre

    n.a person who designs or paints the backgrounds for a play or film.

    n.an individual employed to design or paint scenery for theatrical or cinematic productions.

    Simple

    He worked as a scenic on several big Hollywood movies.

    In context

    After years of working as a scenic in regional theatre, she was finally hired for a major Broadway production.

    set designerpainter

From Middle French scénique, from Latin scēnicus, alternative form of scaenicus (“of or pertaining to the stage; theatrical, scenic”), from Ancient Greek σκηνικός (skēnikós, “theatrical”), from σκηνή (skēnḗ, “stage”).

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

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek σκηνικός
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated