noun
Common
arts
ahts
Arts (noun) means the academic subjects that study human culture, thought, and expression — languages, literature, history, and philosophy — as opposed to the sciences. Example: “She switched from engineering to a degree in arts.”
noun
1
The academic subjects that study human culture, thought, and expression — languages, literature, history, and philosophy — as opposed to the sciences.
"She switched from engineering to a degree in arts."
"The arts faculty covers everything from classics to modern languages."
"My brother studied arts at university and now works as a historian."
How to use arts
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA general label for humanities subjects (as opposed to science or maths) in schools and universities.
Common pairings
study arts
arts degree
arts faculty
liberal arts
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Word forms
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She switched from engineering to a degree in _____.
Etymology
A variant spelling of Artz.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for arts
See all rhymes for 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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