Meaning & use
graphics
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Meanings
nounplural
Pictures, diagrams, or designs, especially ones made or shown on a computer.
Grammar: Takes a plural verb when talking about pictures themselves: the graphics are stunning.
Patterns
- computer graphics
- the graphics are ...
- a graphics card
The new video game has amazing graphics.
She added colorful graphics to the report.
The graphics on the website look outdated.
noununcountable
The study or skill of making pictures and designs, especially for printing or computers.
Grammar: Takes a singular verb when referring to the subject: graphics is a useful skill.
Patterns
- study graphics
- a degree in graphics
- graphics software
He studied graphics at art college.
Graphics is offered as a major at many universities.
She works in graphics for a publishing company.
Common combinations
- computer graphics
- Computer graphics have improved a lot in recent years.
- graphics card
- You need a powerful graphics card to run this game.
- graphics design
- She runs her own graphics design business.
- vector graphics
- Vector graphics can be scaled without losing quality.
Synonyms and how they differ
- images
- Broader; can refer to any pictures, not just computer-made ones.
- visuals
- Often used for the visual elements of a presentation or film, not necessarily digital.
Word family
- graphic adjective
- Relating to drawing or visual art, or very clear and detailed.
- graphically adverb
- In a way that relates to graphics, or in vivid detail.
Commonly confused: graphics or graph?
graphics vs graph
A graph is a diagram showing how numbers relate; graphics are pictures or designs.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'graphics' correctly?
Choose one answer.
When 'graphics' means pictures, it takes a plural verb, so 'are' is correct. Option 2 uses a singular verb, which is wrong for this meaning. Option 3 uses 'graphic' (singular) with a plural verb, and option 4 omits the verb entirely.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “graphics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.