Definition

A detailed description or interpretation of a work of art, often used in literature to convey the visual experience of the artwork.

Example

The poet's ecphrasis brought the painting to life with vivid imagery and emotion.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of ecphrasis?

Yeah, it's that literary term for describing art, right?

Exactly! I find it fascinating how words can bring a painting to life.

Totally, it makes you appreciate art in a whole new way!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ecphrasis is derived from the Greek "ekphrasis" (meaning description or explanation) which is formed from "ek-" (meaning out) and "phrasis" (meaning speech or expression). The term originally referred to a vivid description of a visual work of art, emphasizing the act of expressing or describing something in detail.

Memory Tip

Think of 'expressing something vividly' — 'ek-' means out, and 'phrasis' means speech. This helps you remember that ecphrasis is about giving a detailed description.

Visually Confused Words