B2adjective2K

Artistic

UK /["/ɑːˈtɪstɪk/"]/US /["/ɑːrˈtɪstɪk/"]/

Definition

connected with art or artists

In simple words: Related to art or creativity.

Examples

  • the artistic works of the period
  • a work of great artistic merit
  • an artistic temperament *(= behaviour thought to be typical of artists, musicians, etc.)*
  • Love is a time-honoured subject of literary and artistic expression.
  • artistic abilities/achievements/skills/talent
  • She comes from a very artistic family.
  • an artistic arrangement of dried flowers
  • The decor inside the house was very artistic.

Usage notes

Use 'artistic' to describe things that relate to art or creativity. It's suitable for most contexts, especially when discussing skills, talents, or expressions in art. Avoid using it in overly casual situations.

Grammar pattern

attributive adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'art' in 'artistic'—imagine an artist with paints and brushes.

Collocations

  • artistic talent
  • artistic expression
  • artistic skills
  • artistic design

Synonyms

  • creative
  • artful
  • inventive
  • aesthetic

Antonyms

  • uncreative
  • unimaginative

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'artistic' with 'artsy', which has a more informal connotation.
  • Using 'artistic' to describe items that are not related to art at all.
  • Overusing it to describe everyday objects that don't have artistic qualities.