adj
Uncommon
photographic
foh-tuh-GRA-fihk
Photographic (adj) means relating to photographs or the process of photography. Example: “The exhibit traces the photographic history of the city.”
adj
1
Relating to photographs or the process of photography.
"This shop stocks all the latest photographic equipment."
"There is also a fine dance and concert hall, a capacious reading room, a well-appointed billiards room with five tables, various committee and games rooms, photographic dark rooms, and a small but compact ladies' lounge."
— , The Derby Railway Institute (1944)
"The exhibit traces the photographic history of the city."
"She studied photographic techniques at art college before opening her own studio."
"The newspaper keeps a vast photographic archive of local events."
2
Extremely accurate and detailed, as if recorded like a photograph — used especially of memory.
"She has a photographic memory and can recall entire pages of text."
"The detective's photographic recall of faces helped him identify the thief."
"Few people have a truly photographic memory, whatever they claim."
How to use photographic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "relating to photography" or, informally, "extremely precise and detailed," as in a photographic memory.
Common pairings
photographic memory
photographic evidence
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more photographic
- Superlative
- most photographic
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The exhibit traces the _____ history of the city.
Etymology
From "photograph" plus the adjective suffix "-ic."
Related words
Rhymes for photographic
See all rhymes for photographic →Frequently asked questions
What does “photographic” mean?
The word “photographic” means relating to photographs or the process of photography. In plain terms, either "relating to photography" or, informally, "extremely precise and detailed," as in a photographic memory.
How do you pronounce “photographic”?
“Photographic” is pronounced foh-tuh-GRA-fihk (/ˌfəʊtəˈɡɹæfɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “photographic” in a sentence?
Here is “photographic” used in a sentence: “The exhibit traces the photographic history of the city.”
What part of speech is “photographic”?
“Photographic” is an adjective.
Is “photographic” a common word?
“Photographic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “photographic” have?
“Photographic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to photographs or the process of photography.
What is a photographic memory?
A photographic memory describes the ability to recall images or information with extreme accuracy and detail, as if it had been recorded like a photograph. This is a figurative use of "photographic," extending its literal meaning of relating to photographs or the process of photography.
What is the difference between photographic and photogenic?
Photographic relates to photographs or the process of photography itself, or describes something as extremely accurate and detailed like a photograph, such as a photographic memory. Photogenic describes a person or thing that looks attractive in photographs, which is a different meaning entirely.
Can photographic describe something other than pictures?
Yes. Beyond its literal sense relating to photographs, photographic can describe something as extremely accurate and detailed as if recorded like a photograph, most commonly used to describe an exceptionally precise memory.
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