picturesque

USAGE SUMMARY

'picturesque' is an appropriate and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is attractive in an old-fashioned or stylized way. For example, you could say "The village was picturesque, with old-style houses and cobblestone streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This picturesque small town is decked out in red, white and blue bunting, celebrating the fact that for the second time in 12 years it is hosting a vice-presidential debate.

The Guardian

The choice of one window upstairs, rather than two, gives a cottagey feel – and may well bring the same warm glow of picturesque pleasure that you get from watching a Hovis ad.

The Guardian - Arts

Already one million tourists have arrived – spilling out of archaeological sites and the narrow alleyways of the picturesque Plaka district beneath the Acropolis, piling into restaurants and cafes and cramming the stores that sell the fodder of every classic Greek holiday: sandals, statues, T-shirts and bags.

The Guardian

Next stop is Rosemarkie, a village nine miles along on the south coast that fronts on to a picturesque bay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Near Thimphu, there are a series of picturesque, high-altitude lakes, including Yutsho, known for its golden trout, as well as the famous Tiger's Nest monastery.

The Guardian - Travel

No, De Pijp wasn't exactly picturesque compared to the canal district, but that was made up for by its lively and eccentric population.

The Guardian - Travel

Each afternoon gondolas would glide down our picturesque little canal with camera-snapping tourists who had no hesitation including us in their pictures.

The Guardian - Travel

GK Chesterton's fantasy The Man Who Was Thursday begins with a rapturous account of the beauty and picturesque wildness of the first garden suburbs: "The extravagant roofs were dark against the afterglow and the whole insane village seemed as separate as a drifting cloud".

The Guardian - Opinion

There was no medina, no souks, no picturesque chaos.

The Guardian - Travel

Topsy-Turvy, Mike Leigh's fine film about the genesis of Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado, took two well-deserved Oscars for costume and make-up, but these look like the Academy's dutiful, uncomprehending nod to something heritage and picturesque.

The Guardian

Formerly rubbish-strewn squares are being converted into picturesque gardens, draped in jacaranda and hydrangeas, with fountains and shady corners to sit in, and although there is some concern that Tangier will become as overly-sanitised and developed as Marrakesh, it seems unlikely that the city will change that radically.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "picturesque" to describe scenes that resemble a painting or evoke a sense of visual harmony and beauty. For example, "The village was nestled in a picturesque valley."

Common error

Avoid using "picturesque" in contexts where simpler adjectives like "beautiful" or "attractive" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound affected or cliché.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "picturesque" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate that they are visually attractive, resembling a painting, or possessing a charming and idyllic quality. Ludwig confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

30%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picturesque" is a versatile adjective used to describe scenes or objects that possess a visual charm and beauty akin to a painting. Ludwig highlights its correct grammatical usage and frequency across varied contexts, especially in News & Media and Travel. While its register is generally neutral, overuse can detract from writing. Alternatives like "scenic" or "charming" offer nuanced options for similar descriptions. Ludwig AI confirms that "picturesque" is appropriate and usable in written English, suggesting that it is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scenic

Focuses specifically on the landscape aspect of beauty.

charming

Emphasizes a delightful or pleasing quality that evokes affection.

quaint

Highlights an old-fashioned attractiveness and simplicity.

beautiful

A general term for visual appeal, less specific than "picturesque".

lovely

Conveys a sense of gentle and pleasing beauty.

pretty

A more informal term for describing something visually attractive.

stunning

Suggests a beauty that is strikingly impressive and memorable.

eye-catching

Describes something that immediately attracts attention due to its visual appeal.

visually appealing

A straightforward description of something pleasing to look at.

attractive

A general term indicating a pleasing or appealing quality.

FAQs

How can I use "picturesque" in a sentence?

You can use "picturesque" to describe something visually attractive, especially in a charming or quaint way. For instance, "The "picturesque village" was nestled in the mountains."

What are some alternatives to "picturesque"?

Alternatives to "picturesque" include "scenic", "charming", and "quaint". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "picturesque" instead of "beautiful"?

"Picturesque" is best used when the scene resembles a picture or painting, emphasizing a composed and harmonious visual quality. "Beautiful" is more general and can apply to a wider range of subjects and contexts.

Is "picturesque" a formal word?

"Picturesque" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It is appropriate for both writing and speaking, but might sound slightly elevated in very informal conversation.