First Known Use: 1561
Dictionary
1grotesque
noun gro·tesque \grō-ˈtesk\
Definition of GROTESQUE
1
a : a style of decorative art characterized by fanciful or fantastic human and animal forms often interwoven with foliage or similar figures that may distort the natural into absurdity, ugliness, or caricature b : a piece of work in this style
2
: one that is grotesque
3
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Origin of GROTESQUE
Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French, from Old Italian (pittura) grottesca, literally, cave painting, feminine of grottesco of a cave, from grotta
Related to GROTESQUE
- Synonyms
- monster, grotesquerie (also grotesquery), monstrosity, ogre
2grotesque
adjective
: very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural
: extremely different from what is expected or usual
Full Definition of GROTESQUE
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the grotesque: as a : fanciful, bizarre b : absurdly incongruous c : departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical
— gro·tesque·ly adverb
— gro·tesque·ness noun
See grotesque defined for English-language learners
See grotesque defined for kids
First Known Use of GROTESQUE
1603
Related to GROTESQUE
- Synonyms
- grating, harsh, jarring, unaesthetic
- Antonyms
- aesthetic (also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical)
Synonym Discussion of GROTESQUE
fantastic, bizarre, grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality. fantastic may connote extravagance in conception or ingenuity of decorative invention <dreamed up fantastic rumors>. bizarre applies to the sensationally strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination <a bizarre medieval castle in the heart of a modern city>. grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones <grotesque statues on the cathedral> <though grieving, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile>.
GROTESQUELY Defined for Kids
grotesque
adjective gro·tesque \grō-ˈtesk\
Definition of GROTESQUE for Kids
: unnatural in an odd or ugly way
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