sculptural
/ˈskʌlp.tʃər.əl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Related to sculpture or made to look like sculpture. It often describes a shape, form, or style with strong, clear lines and a solid three-dimensional feel.
- The chair has a sculptural shape.
- Her dress had a sculptural look.
- The artist prefers sculptural forms.
Adinary Nuance
Sculptural is used when something looks like a work of sculpture, not just when it is beautiful or artistic. It is stronger and more visual than artistic, and more specific than graceful or decorative. Writers often use it for shapes, bodies, furniture, and buildings with bold form.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mang tính điêu khắc
- Spanish
- escultórico
- Chinese
- 雕塑般的
- Japanese
- 彫刻的な
- Korean
- 조각 같은
Etymology
Sculptural comes from sculpture, which entered English from Old French and Latin. The adjective became common in modern English to describe art, design, and shapes with a strong carved effect.
Common phrases
sculptural formsculptural qualitysculptural linessculptural beauty
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is sculptural the same as artistic?
- Not exactly. Sculptural means it looks like sculpture, while artistic is broader.
- Can I use sculptural for people?
- Yes, but usually for strong, well-shaped features or a striking body.
- Is sculptural a formal word?
- Yes, it is more formal and is common in writing, art, and design.
- What does sculptural mean in design?
- It means the object has a strong, three-dimensional shape, like a sculpture.