noun
Uncommon
aesthetics
ehs-THEHT-ihks
Aesthetics (noun) means the branch of philosophy concerned with beauty, art, and taste. Example: “She studied aesthetics as part of her philosophy degree.”
noun
1
The branch of philosophy concerned with beauty, art, and taste.
"She studied aesthetics as part of her philosophy degree."
"Ancient Greek aesthetics still shapes how we talk about art today."
"In his lecture on aesthetics, the professor asked whether beauty is objective."
2
The particular visual style or set of design choices behind something.
"The film’s aesthetics owe a lot to 1980s science fiction."
"The new logo clashes with the brand’s usual aesthetics."
"The game's aesthetics are inspired by hand-painted watercolour postcards."
How to use aesthetics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the academic study of beauty and art, or, more casually, the overall look/style of something.
Common pairings
modern aesthetics
visual aesthetics
a study of aesthetics
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like aesthetics.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied _____ as part of her philosophy degree.
Etymology
From aesthetic plus the noun-forming ending -ics, on the model of words like "physics" or "ethics."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for aesthetics
See all rhymes for aesthetics →Frequently asked questions
What does “aesthetics” mean?
The word “aesthetics” means the branch of philosophy concerned with beauty, art, and taste. In plain terms, either the academic study of beauty and art, or, more casually, the overall look/style of something.
How do you pronounce “aesthetics”?
“Aesthetics” is pronounced ehs-THEHT-ihks (/ɛsˈθɛt.ɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “aesthetics” in a sentence?
Here is “aesthetics” used in a sentence: “She studied aesthetics as part of her philosophy degree.”
What part of speech is “aesthetics”?
“Aesthetics” is a noun.
Is “aesthetics” a common word?
“Aesthetics” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “aesthetics” have?
“Aesthetics” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of philosophy concerned with beauty, art, and taste.
What is the difference between aesthetics and aesthetic?
"Aesthetics" is the field of study or general theory concerned with beauty and taste, while "aesthetic" (used as a singular noun) usually describes a particular style or set of visual qualities, as in "a minimalist aesthetic."
Is aesthetics singular or plural?
Despite ending in "-s," "aesthetics" is treated as a singular, uncountable noun when referring to the philosophical discipline, as in "aesthetics is a branch of philosophy."
What is the difference between aesthetics and design?
"Aesthetics" concerns the underlying principles and perception of beauty and taste, while "design" refers to the practical process of creating something with a particular function and appearance. Aesthetics informs design choices but is broader and more theoretical.
