noun

chiaroscuro

kee-ar-uh-SKOOR-oh

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Chiaroscuro (noun) means an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to give the impression of solid volume. Example: “The painter's use of chiaroscuro makes the figures look almost three-dimensional.”

noun

An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to give the impression of solid volume.

"The painter's use of chiaroscuro makes the figures look almost three-dimensional."

"Renaissance artists developed chiaroscuro to model form."

"The gallery had a fine chiaroscuro portrait lit by a single candle."

A photographic technique in which one side of the subject is well lit and the other is left in shadow.

"The portrait used chiaroscuro, with half of her face in shadow."

"He lit the model with a single window to create a chiaroscuro effect."

How to use chiaroscuro

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDramatic contrast between light and shadow in art or photography.

When to use it

Formal and specialist, mostly used when talking about art and photography.

Memory tip

The plural can be chiaroscuros or chiaroscuri, though the word is usually used without one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

chiaroscuro effect dramatic chiaroscuro a chiaroscuro portrait Renaissance chiaroscuro

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The painter's use of _____ makes the figures look almost three-dimensional.

Etymology

English borrowed the word in the mid-17th century from Italian. The Italian word joins chiaro, meaning clear or bright, and oscuro, meaning dark.

Origin: Italian

Synonyms

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Rembrandt lighting

Rhymes for chiaroscuro

euro Truro Mauro Saburo Ikebukuro

See all rhymes for chiaroscuro →

Frequently asked questions

What does chiaroscuro mean?

It means the use of strong contrasts between light and dark, especially in painting, to create the illusion of volume.

How do you pronounce chiaroscuro?

In British English it is roughly kee-ar-uh-SKOOR-oh, with the stress on the fourth syllable.

What language does chiaroscuro come from?

It comes from Italian, from chiaro meaning clear or bright and oscuro meaning dark.

What is the meaning of chiaroscuro?

"chiaroscuro" (noun) means an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to give the impression of solid volume.