picturesque

[ pik-chuh-resk ]
/ ˌpɪk tʃəˈrɛsk /

adjective

visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting: a picturesque fishing village.
(of writing, speech, etc.) strikingly graphic or vivid; creating detailed mental images: a picturesque description of the Brazilian jungle.
having pleasing or interesting qualities; strikingly effective in appearance: a picturesque hat.

Origin of picturesque

1695–1705; < French pittoresque < Italian pittoresco ( pittor(e) painter1 + -esco -esque), with assimilation to picture

SYNONYMS FOR picturesque

2 Picturesque, graphic, vivid apply to descriptions that produce a strong, especially a visual, impression. Picturesque is a less precise term than the other two. A picturesque account, though striking and interesting, may be inaccurate or may reflect personal ideas: He called the landscape picturesque. A graphic account is more objective and factual: it produces a clear, definite impression, and carries conviction. A vivid account is told with liveliness and intenseness; the description is so interesting, or even exciting, that the reader or hearer may be emotionally stirred.

OTHER WORDS FROM picturesque

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH picturesque

picaresque picturesque

Example sentences from the Web for picturesque

British Dictionary definitions for picturesque

picturesque
/ (ˌpɪktʃəˈrɛsk) /

adjective

visually pleasing, esp in being striking or vivid a picturesque view
having a striking or colourful character, nature, etc
(of language) graphic; vivid

Derived forms of picturesque

picturesquely, adverb picturesqueness, noun

Word Origin for picturesque

C18: from French pittoresque (but also influenced by picture), from Italian pittoresco, from pittore painter, from Latin pictor