Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Visually charming or attractive, especially in a quaint or striking way, as if resembling or worthy of a painting: Used to describe scenes, places, or views that are strikingly beautiful in a way that reminds one of a picture.
   • Vividly descriptive and evocative, creating a strong mental image: Used to describe language, writing, or narration that is strikingly expressive and full of imagery.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Visually attractive): We drove through a picturesque valley with rolling hills and a small stream. The old, cobblestone streets of the town are incredibly picturesque.

• Adjective (Vividly descriptive): The author gave a picturesque account of his travels through the mountains. Her picturesque description of the market made me feel like I was there.

Advanced Usage

• "The picturesque": Used as a noun to refer to a category or quality in art and aesthetics, often associated with charming, irregular, or rustic beauty, distinct from the sublime or the beautiful.

Variants and Related Words

• Picturesquely (adverb): In a picturesque manner.
• Picturesqueness (noun): The quality of being picturesque.

Synonyms

• Scenic: Having beautiful natural scenery.
• Quaint: Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
• Charming: Pleasant, attractive.
• Vivid (for descriptive use): Producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
• Graphic (for descriptive use): Giving a clear and effective picture; vivid.

Antonyms

• Drab: Lacking brightness or interest; drearily dull.
• Unattractive: Not pleasing or appealing to look at.
• Plain: Not decorated or elaborate; simple or ordinary in character.
• Prosaic (for descriptive use): Having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty; commonplace.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• (As) pretty as a picture: Very pretty or attractive. (This idiom shares the core idea of visual charm inherent in "picturesque").

Adjective

1. strikingly expressive
   • a picturesque description of the rainforest
2. suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
   • a picturesque village