Is trompe-l'oeil a common word in everyday English?

No, it is more common in art, design, and architecture.

Is trompe-l'oeil the same as an illusion?

Not exactly. It is a kind of illusion made in art or decoration.

How do I use trompe-l'oeil in a sentence?

Say: “The artist used trompe-l'oeil to make the wall look real.”

Is trompe-l'oeil formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and often used in written descriptions.

← Dictionary

trompe-l'oeil

/ˌtrɒ̃mp lɔɪˈjɜːl/

IELTSAcademic

noun

A painting or design that uses realistic detail to make flat surfaces look three-dimensional. It is often used in art, murals, and decoration.

The mural is a beautiful trompe-l'oeil.
At first, the window was just trompe-l'oeil.
The ceiling uses trompe-l'oeil to look deeper.

Adinary Nuance

Trompe-l'oeil is more specific than “illusion” or “optical illusion.” It usually refers to art or design that looks real, not a general trick on the eyes. Writers use it when the false appearance is made on purpose and looks especially lifelike.

In other languages

Vietnamese: Ảo giác đánh lừa mắt
Spanish: Trampantojo
Chinese: 错视画
Japanese: だまし絵
Korean: 눈속임 그림

Etymology

Trompe-l'oeil comes from French, where it means “deceive the eye.” It entered English in the 19th century, especially in art writing.

Common phrases

trompe-l'oeil effecttrompe-l'oeil paintingtrompe-l'oeil mural

Synonyms

optical illusion illusion visual trick

Related words

perspective mural realistic deception

Frequently asked questions

Is trompe-l'oeil a common word in everyday English?: No, it is more common in art, design, and architecture.
Is trompe-l'oeil the same as an illusion?: Not exactly. It is a kind of illusion made in art or decoration.
How do I use trompe-l'oeil in a sentence?: Say: “The artist used trompe-l'oeil to make the wall look real.”
Is trompe-l'oeil formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and often used in written descriptions.