adj
Uncommon
poetic
poh-EH-tihk
Poetic (adj) means relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry. Example: “The novel's prose was almost poetic in places.”
adj
1
Relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry.
"Iambics are one form of poetic meter."
"The novel's prose was almost poetic in places."
2
Romantic or imaginative in a way reminiscent of poets.
"There was something poetic about the way the two old friends reunited."
"He gazed at the sunset with a poetic look in his eyes."
"It seemed poetic that the lighthouse went dark just as the storm ended."
How to use poetic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving the qualities of poetry — expressive, rhythmic, or emotionally resonant.
Common pairings
poetic justice
poetic language
poetic imagery
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more poetic
- Superlative
- most poetic
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel's prose was almost _____ in places.
Etymology
From Greek poietikos, "creative, productive," from poieo, "to make."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for poetic
emetic
genetic
heretic
kinetic
ascetic
diuretic
frenetic
magnetic
cosmetic
athletic
diabetic
pathetic
See all rhymes for poetic →
Frequently asked questions
What does “poetic” mean?
The word “poetic” means relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry. In plain terms, having the qualities of poetry — expressive, rhythmic, or emotionally resonant.
How do you pronounce “poetic”?
“Poetic” is pronounced poh-EH-tihk (/poʊˈɛtɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “poetic” in a sentence?
Here is “poetic” used in a sentence: “The novel's prose was almost poetic in places.”
What is the opposite of “poetic”?
The opposite of “poetic” — its antonyms — is prosaic.
What part of speech is “poetic”?
“Poetic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “poetic” come from?
The word “poetic” comes from Greek. From Greek poietikos, "creative, productive," from poieo, "to make.".
Is “poetic” a common word?
“Poetic” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “poetic” have?
“Poetic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry.
What is the difference between poetic and lyrical?
Poetic describes anything relating to poetry or written in the style of poetry, while lyrical more specifically suggests a musical, flowing quality often associated with emotion and song. A piece of writing can be poetic without being lyrical, and vice versa, though the two overlap closely.
What does it mean to call something poetic justice?
Poetic justice describes an outcome that is fitting or ironic in a way that feels imaginative or reminiscent of how poets craft satisfying endings. It draws on the sense of poetic meaning romantic or imaginative rather than literally involving poetry.
Is poetic a formal or informal word?
Poetic is a neutral, widely used adjective suitable for both formal writing and everyday conversation. It can describe literal poetry or, more loosely, anything imaginative and evocative in the way it is expressed.
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