ekphrasis
/ɛkˈfræs.ɪs/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A detailed description of a work of art, music, or another object. In literature, it often means writing that describes a picture or scene vividly.
- The poem is a classic example of ekphrasis.
- Her essay uses ekphrasis to describe the painting.
- The novel includes ekphrasis of a ruined temple.
Adinary Nuance
Ekphrasis is more specific than description. It usually refers to writing about art, especially a painting, sculpture, or scene in a highly vivid way. It is not the same as narration, which tells a story, or commentary, which explains meaning. Writers choose ekphrasis when the text itself is meant to let readers “see” the artwork.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- miêu tả nghệ thuật
- Spanish
- descripción artística
- Chinese
- 艺术描写
- Japanese
- 絵画描写
- Korean
- 예술 묘사
Etymology
Ekphrasis comes from Greek, where it meant a vivid description. English took it through literary study, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Common phrases
a piece of ekphrasisekphrasis in poetryekphrastic writing
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is ekphrasis a common word?
- No, it is mostly used in literature, art, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between ekphrasis and description?
- Ekphrasis is a special kind of description, usually about art or a scene.
- Can I use ekphrasis in everyday English?
- You can, but it sounds formal and scholarly.
- Is ekphrastic the adjective form?
- Yes. Ekphrastic means related to ekphrasis.