Meaning & use
aesthetics
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Meanings
noununcountableformal
The branch of philosophy that studies beauty, art, and taste.
Grammar: Takes a singular verb when referring to the field: Aesthetics is a difficult subject.
Patterns
- aesthetics of something
- in aesthetics
She studied aesthetics at university, focusing on the nature of beauty.
Kant's writings on aesthetics have influenced generations of philosophers.
The course covers both ethics and aesthetics.
nounpluralinformal
The visual appearance or style of something, especially when considered attractive or pleasing.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun when talking about the look of things: The aesthetics are modern.
Patterns
- the aesthetics of something
- modern aesthetics
The car's aesthetics are sleek and futuristic.
I like the aesthetics of the new café—minimalist and warm.
The website's aesthetics need improvement; it looks outdated.
Common combinations
- aesthetics of
- The aesthetics of the building blend old and new styles.
- modern aesthetics
- Modern aesthetics often favor clean lines and neutral colors.
- study aesthetics
- He decided to study aesthetics as part of his philosophy degree.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- aesthetic adjective
- Relating to beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
- aesthetically adverb
- In a way that relates to beauty or artistic taste.
- aesthetician noun
- A person who is trained in skin care and beauty treatments.
Commonly confused: aesthetics or anesthetics? aesthetics or ascetics?
aesthetics vs anesthetics
Anesthetics are drugs that cause loss of feeling; aesthetics is about beauty and art.
aesthetics vs ascetics
Ascetics are people who practice severe self-discipline; aesthetics is the study of beauty.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
When referring to the philosophical field, 'aesthetics' takes a singular verb: 'Aesthetics is...'. The other options use the wrong verb number or confuse the word with 'anesthetics' or 'ascetics'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “aesthetics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.