Stylistic

ˌstaɪˈlɪstɪk

adjectivemedium📊CommonLiterature
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

Relating to or characteristic of style, particularly in artistic or literary expression.

ˌstaɪˈlɪstɪk

adjectiveneutralmedium
Literature

Relating to style, especially of writing or art.

The novel's stylistic innovations were groundbreaking for the time.

💡 Simply: Think of it like this: it's all about the *how* something is done. Like, the *stylistic* choices in a book are how the author chooses to write, not just *what* they write.

👶 For kids: It means how something looks or is made, like the way an artist paints or a writer writes.

More Examples

2

Her presentation lacked stylistic coherence.

3

The building's stylistic features are reminiscent of the Art Deco period.

How It's Used

Literary Criticism

"The critic analyzed the stylistic elements of the poet's work."

Art History

"The museum showcased a collection of paintings with distinct stylistic approaches."

Design

"The website's stylistic choices create a modern aesthetic."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Stylistic device

A technique used to enhance the style or effect of writing or speech.

"The author used the metaphor as a stylistic device to create a vivid image."

From Latin *stilus* (a writing instrument, style) + -istic. The word's development reflects the evolution of 'style' in writing, art, and design.

The term 'stylistic' gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the rise of literary criticism and art history as academic disciplines.

Memory tip

Think of 'style' – the artistic 'style' of a painting or the 'style' of writing.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"stilus (writing instrument, style)"

stylistic choicesstylistic featuresstylistic devicestylistic approachstylistic innovation

Common misspellings

stilisticstylistical

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written