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[C2 Level] Art & Literature – English vocabulary

86 words · English vocabulary · Created by Openquiz Team

86 English words with meanings: aesthetic, abstraction, composition, brushwork, palette… Study them with flashcards, quizzes and AI speaking practice on…

Part of the learning path: C1–C2 Everyday English

Word list

  1. aesthetic /es'θetɪk/ (adjective) — related to beauty
    Example: Her paintings have a unique aesthetic appeal.
    Synonyms: artistic, beautiful, tasteful
  2. abstraction /æb'strækʃən/ (noun) — using abstract ideas in art
    Example: Abstraction allows artists to express ideas beyond representation.
    Synonyms: conceptualization, generalization, symbolism
  3. composition /,kɒmpə'zɪʃən/ (noun) — how an artwork is arranged
    Example: The composition of the painting guides the viewer’s eye.
    Synonyms: arrangement, structure, layout
  4. brushwork /'brʌʃwɜ:k/ (noun) — brush marks in painting
    Example: His brushwork is bold and expressive.
    Synonyms: stroke, technique, paintwork
  5. palette /'pælɪt/ (noun) — the colors an artist uses
    Example: The artist’s palette consists mainly of warm colors.
    Synonyms: color range, tone set, chromatic scale
  6. sculpture /'skʌlptʃər/ (noun) — a three-dimensional artwork carved or shaped from a material
    Example: The marble sculpture stood proudly in the museum.
    Synonyms: statue, carving, model
  7. installation /,ɪnstə'leɪʃən/ (noun) — art arranged in a space
    Example: The installation explores themes of identity and space.
    Synonyms: exhibit, display, presentation
  8. medium /'mi:diəm/ (noun) — what art is made from
    Example: Oil is his preferred medium for painting.
    Synonyms: material, substance, form
  9. texture /'tekstʃər/ (noun) — how a surface feels or looks
    Example: The texture of the sculpture gives it a lifelike feel.
    Synonyms: surface, grain, fabric
  10. perspective /pər'spektɪv/ (noun) — a technique for showing depth on a flat surface
    Example: Perspective creates a sense of depth in drawings.
    Synonyms: viewpoint, angle, outlook
  11. portraiture /'pɔ:.trɪ.tʃər/ (noun) — the art of drawing faces
    Example: Portraiture flourished during the Renaissance.
    Synonyms: portrait, representation, depiction
  12. figurative /'fɪɡjərətɪv/ (adjective) — showing real people or objects in recognizable form
    Example: Figurative art portrays objects from the real world.
    Synonyms: representational, symbolic, expressive
  13. conceptual /kən'septʃuəl/ (adjective) — about ideas or concepts
    Example: Conceptual art emphasizes ideas over form.
    Synonyms: theoretical, abstract, intellectual
  14. narrative /'nærətɪv/ (noun) — the story or plot structure
    Example: The narrative of the novel unfolds over decades.
    Synonyms: story, tale, account
  15. motif /moʊ'ti:f/ (noun) — a repeated theme or image
    Example: The motif of light recurs throughout the painting.
    Synonyms: theme, symbol, pattern
  16. symbolism /'sɪmbə,lɪzəm/ (noun) — using symbols to represent ideas
    Example: Symbolism enriches literary and visual works.
    Synonyms: representation, metaphor, emblem
  17. expressionism /ɪk'spreʃənɪzəm/ (noun) — art that shows strong feelings
    Example: Expressionism portrays emotional experiences rather than reality.
    Synonyms: artistic movement, emotional art, modernism
  18. realism /'rɪə.lɪ.zəm/ (noun) — art that shows real life
    Example: Realism emphasized everyday life in art and literature.
    Synonyms: naturalism, authenticity, truth
  19. surrealism /sə'rɪə.lɪ.zəm/ (noun) — art with dream-like ideas
    Example: Surrealism explores the dream world and unconscious mind.
    Synonyms: dream art, fantasy, abstract art
  20. avant-garde /,ævɒ~'ɡɑ:rd/ (adjective) — new and bold art ideas
    Example: The avant-garde movement challenged traditional art forms.
    Synonyms: innovative, experimental, progressive
  21. artistry /'ɑ:.tɪ.stri/ (noun) — natural skill in art
    Example: Her artistry shines through in every detail.
    Synonyms: creativity, craftsmanship, skill
  22. literary /'lɪtərəri/ (adjective) — related to literature
    Example: He has deep literary knowledge of modern poets.
    Synonyms: bookish, artistic, intellectual
  23. metaphor /'metəfɔ:r/ (noun) — a hidden comparison in writing
    Example: The river was used as a metaphor for life.
    Synonyms: symbol, analogy, allegory
  24. allegory /'æləɡɔ:ri/ (noun) — a story with a hidden meaning
    Example: The novel is an allegory for human ambition.
    Synonyms: parable, fable, symbolism
  25. prose /proʊz/ (noun) — ordinary written language
    Example: Her prose is both poetic and powerful.
    Synonyms: text, writing, composition
  26. verse /vɜ:rs/ (noun) — poems or lines of poetry
    Example: The song opens with a simple verse.
    Synonyms: poetry, stanza, line
  27. imagery /'ɪmɪdʒəri/ (noun) — descriptive images in writing
    Example: The poem’s vivid imagery evokes strong emotions.
    Synonyms: visualization, representation, description
  28. rhythm /'rɪðəm/ (noun) — the beat or flow
    Example: The rhythm of the poem mirrors a heartbeat.
    Synonyms: beat, tempo, cadence
  29. tone /toʊn/ (noun) — the mood or feeling of a work
    Example: The tone of the novel is melancholic.
    Synonyms: mood, style, voice
  30. diction /'dɪkʃən/ (noun) — word choice and language use
    Example: The poet’s diction gives depth to his ideas.
    Synonyms: word choice, phrasing, style

…and 56 more words in this set.

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