landscape
/ˈlænd.skeɪp/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
the visible area of land, especially in the countryside. It can include hills, fields, rivers, and buildings.
- The mountain landscape was covered in snow.
- We drove through a flat, open landscape.
- 2.
the general shape or appearance of a situation, subject, or field of activity. This use is common in academic and business English.
- The political landscape changed after the election.
- Digital tools are changing the learning landscape.
Adinary Nuance
Landscape is broader than scenery. Scenery usually means the beautiful view, while landscape can mean the whole area itself. In modern writing, landscape also means the overall situation in a field, such as the business landscape or media landscape.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cảnh quan
- Spanish
- paisaje
- Chinese
- 景观
- Japanese
- 風景
- Korean
- 풍경
Etymology
Landscape entered English in the 16th century from Dutch landschap, meaning a picture of land or a tract of land. It first referred to scenery, then later to broader patterns in society and business.
Common phrases
natural landscapeurban landscapethe business landscapethe cultural landscape
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is landscape the same as scenery?
- Not exactly. Scenery is the beautiful view. Landscape can mean the land itself or the whole scene.
- Can I use landscape for business or politics?
- Yes. It often means the overall situation in a field, like the business landscape.
- Is landscape a formal word?
- It is neutral in everyday use. It is also common in academic and business writing.
- What is the plural of landscape?
- The plural is landscapes. Example: different landscapes across the country.