Meaning & use
pictorially
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Meanings
adverbnot comparableformal
By means of pictures or in the form of a picture, instead of in words.
Grammar: Usually placed before a past participle or after a verb: pictorially recorded.
Patterns
- pictorially represented
- shown pictorially
The history of the town is told pictorially on the museum walls.
The data is shown pictorially to help young learners.
Her diary records the trip pictorially, with hardly a word.
adverbnot comparableformal
As far as visual appearance or imagery is concerned.
Grammar: Often opens a clause with a comma: pictorially, the film is stunning.
Patterns
- pictorially speaking
Pictorially, the film is stunning, though the plot is weak.
The magazine is pictorially rich but short on analysis.
The poster works pictorially, even without its caption.
Common combinations
- pictorially represented
- The results are pictorially represented in the chart.
- shown pictorially
- The process is shown pictorially in six steps.
- pictorially rich
- The book is pictorially rich and easy to follow.
- pictorially speaking
- Pictorially speaking, the scene needs more contrast.
Synonyms and how they differ
- graphically
- It suggests clear, vivid or chart-like display, while pictorially stresses the use of pictures.
- visually
- It is broader and everyday, covering anything seen, not just pictures.
- illustratively
- It is rarer and stresses serving as an example.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: pictorially or pictographically?
pictorially vs pictographically
It refers to symbol-like picture writing, whereas pictorially is about pictures in general.
Practice
The museum explains the voyage ___, using maps and drawings instead of long texts.
Choose one answer.
Pictorially means by pictures. Verbally would mean with words, which is the opposite of the sentence.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “pictorially”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.