aesthetics
/iːsˈθet.ɪks/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
The study of beauty and art, and of what makes something pleasing to see, hear, or feel.
- We studied aesthetics in art class.
- The building has a modern aesthetic.
- 2.
A set of visual or design features that give something a clear style or look.
- I like the clean aesthetics of this app.
- Her room has a soft, minimalist aesthetic.
Adinary Nuance
Aesthetics is not just about something looking nice. It is broader than beauty, style, or design, because it can include art, taste, and the feelings a thing creates. Writers often choose aesthetics when they want to sound more formal or discuss visual style in a thoughtful way.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thẩm mỹ
- Spanish
- estética
- Chinese
- 美学
- Japanese
- 美学
- Korean
- 미학
Etymology
From Greek aisthētikós, meaning 'perceptive' or 'related to sense perception'. It entered English in the 18th century through philosophy and art writing.
Common phrases
visual aestheticsdesign aestheticsthe aesthetics of somethingminimalist aesthetics
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is aesthetics a singular or plural word?
- It looks plural, but it is often used as a singular idea in English.
- What is the difference between aesthetics and beauty?
- Beauty is about being attractive. Aesthetics is wider and includes style, art, and visual taste.
- Is aesthetics formal or informal?
- It is fairly formal, and common in academic, design, and review writing.
- Can I use aesthetics for apps or websites?
- Yes. People often talk about the aesthetics of a website, app, or product.