unlifelike

Thân thiện

The museum displayed an unlifelike wax figure of a famous inventor.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Not resembling or imitating real life; artificial, unrealistic: Used to describe something that appears fake, contrived, or lacking the qualities of a living, natural, or authentic entity. It often implies a failure to convince or a noticeable lack of depth and realism.

Usage and Examples

The adjective unlifelike is used to critique or describe the quality of an artistic representation, performance, behavior, or object.

• The special effects in the old movie were charming but decidedly unlifelike.
• Her performance was criticized for being stiff and unlifelike.
• The wax figures in the museum were eerily unlifelike.
• The dialogue in the script felt forced and unlifelike.

Advanced Usage

• In Art and Criticism: Often used in formal or informal criticism of visual arts, literature, theater, and film to denote a lack of verisimilitude (the appearance of being true or real).
  • The painter's early portraits were considered unlifelike due to their rigid, formal style.
• Contrast with Purposeful Stylization: Something can be stylized or abstract without being "unlifelike." The term unlifelike typically carries a negative connotation of failed realism, not intentional artistic choice.

Variants and Related Words

• Life-like (adj): The direct antonym, meaning closely resembling real life.
  • The new animatronic dinosaur is incredibly life-like.
• Unrealistic (adj): A more general synonym that can apply to ideas, expectations, and representations.
• Artificial (adj): Can refer to both man-made objects and to behavior that seems insincere.
• Wooden (adj): Often used specifically for stiff, inexpressive performances.
• Cardboard (adj): Used figuratively to describe characters or figures that are flat, unconvincing, and lacking in substance (as seen in the reference context).

Synonyms

• Artificial
• Unrealistic
• Fake
• Contrived
• Stiff
• Wooden
• Mechanical

Antonyms

• Lifelike
• Realistic
• Natural
• Authentic
• Convincing
• True-to-life

Học thuật

Adjective

1. without substance
   • cardboard caricatures of historical figures

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cardboard