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arts

3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for arts, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — The academic subjects that study human culture, thought, and expression — languages, literature, history, and philosophy — as opposed to the sciences.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

liberal arts

How to use arts

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

study arts arts degree arts faculty liberal arts

Etymology

Variant spelling of Artz.

Full origin of arts →

Frequently asked questions

What does “arts” mean?

The word “arts” means the academic subjects that study human culture, thought, and expression — languages, literature, history, and philosophy — as opposed to the sciences. In plain terms, a general label for humanities subjects (as opposed to science or maths) in schools and universities.

How do you pronounce “arts”?

“Arts” is pronounced ahts (/ɑɹts/ in IPA).

How do you use “arts” in a sentence?

Here is “arts” used in a sentence: “She switched from engineering to a degree in arts.”

What part of speech is “arts”?

“Arts” is a noun.

Is “arts” a common word?

“Arts” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between the arts and the sciences?

The arts study human culture, thought, and expression, subjects like literature, history, languages, and philosophy, often through interpretation and argument. The sciences study the natural and physical world through observation, measurement, and experiment. Broadly, the arts explore what it means to be human, while the sciences explain how the world works.

What subjects are included in the arts?

In the academic sense, the arts cover subjects such as languages, literature, history, philosophy, and religious studies, along with related fields like classics and cultural studies. These disciplines focus on human culture and expression. They are sometimes called the humanities, and they contrast with science, mathematics, and technical subjects.

What is the difference between arts and humanities?

The two terms overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably for subjects like history, literature, and philosophy. "Humanities" is the more precise academic label for those culture-focused disciplines. "Arts" is broader and can also mean the creative and performing arts, such as painting, music, and drama, so context decides which sense is meant.

What is a Bachelor of Arts degree?

A Bachelor of Arts, or BA, is an undergraduate degree awarded mainly in arts and humanities subjects such as English, history, or languages. It contrasts with a Bachelor of Science, or BSc, given for scientific and technical fields. The distinction reflects the traditional divide between the arts and the sciences.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.