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visual

adj. · n.
US //ˈvɪʒəwəɫ// UK //vˈɪʒuːəl// vis·ual
  1. 1 related to sight (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate General-service

    relating to seeing or the sense of sight.

    relating to or affecting the sense of vision.

    Example

    The artist has a very strong visual memory and can paint scenes from years ago.

    Example

    The film's visual style is heavily influenced by mid-century noir, using sharp shadows and high-contrast lighting to create a sense of dread.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun.
  2. 2 an image or graphic (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a picture, diagram, or piece of film used to show or explain something.

    a graphic, image, or video clip used to illustrate a point or enhance a presentation.

    Example

    The presentation was good, but it needed more visuals to keep the audience interested.

    Example

    The marketing team spent weeks refining the visuals for the campaign, ensuring that every graphic aligned with the brand's new identity.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural when referring to a presentation.

    Teacher's tip

    In business and academic contexts, 'visuals' refers specifically to the slides or charts that accompany a speech.
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  1. 3 a preliminary sketch (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a rough drawing or plan made before the final version of an advertisement or design.

    a preliminary sketch or layout of an advertisement or design used for planning purposes.

    Example

    The designer showed us a rough visual of the new magazine cover.

    Example

    Before moving to the digital rendering phase, the art director reviewed several hand-drawn visuals to determine the best composition for the billboard.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a specific industry term used in advertising and graphic design agencies.
Origin

From Middle English vysual, from Old French, from Late Latin visualis (“of sight”), from Latin visus (“sight”), from videre (“to see”), past participle visus; see visage.

Word family

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