pittoresque

picturesque

adjective pee-to-RESK Rare

Origin: French pittoresque, from Italian pittoresco (in the manner of a painter), from pittore (painter)

Usage Note

Pittoresque is invariable in gender and takes a regular plural pittoresques. It describes scenes, places, or characters that are strikingly vivid or quaint enough to seem like a painting. Un village pittoresque is a common tourist phrase. The word can also describe colourful, memorable language or characters.

Examples

"Nous avons traversé un village pittoresque en montagne."

Natural Translation

We crossed a picturesque mountain village.

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