ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whimsical

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhwɪmzɪkəɫ// UK //wˈɪmzɪkəl// whim·si·cal

adj. playful, funny, and a bit unusual in a charming way. It describes things that are full of imagination rather than being serious or practical.

adj. characterised by playful, lighthearted, or erratic behaviour and imaginative qualities. Often describes artistic style or personal temperament that avoids gravity in favour of fancy.


SIMPLE

The children's book is full of whimsical drawings of flying cats.

CONTEXTUAL

The designer is famous for her whimsical window displays that turn everyday objects into fairytale scenes.

COMPLEX

While the film deals with heavy themes of loss, its whimsical tone and surrealist imagery prevent the narrative from becoming overly bleak.

Synonyms
Origin

From whimsy + -ical.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns related to art, design, or personality; frequently follows linking verbs like 'seem' or 'feel'.'

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