Definition

Something that is very strange or unnatural, often in a way that is funny or shocking.

Example

The movie featured a grotesque monster that scared everyone.

Conversation

Did you see that art exhibit downtown?

Yeah, some of the pieces were really grotesque, weren't they?

Totally! I couldn't believe how bizarre some of them looked.

I know! It was like they were trying to push the boundaries of what art can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of art or decoration that combines strange and unnatural shapes, often mixing human and animal forms in a bizarre way.

Example

The museum displayed a grotesque that fascinated visitors with its unusual shapes and colors.

Conversation

Have you ever seen that grotesque sculpture at the art gallery?

Yeah, it really caught my eye; it's so unusual!

I didn't expect something so strange to be considered art.

Root Explanation

Grotesque is derived from the Italian word 'grottesca', which comes from 'grotta' (meaning cave). The term originally referred to the decorative art found in ancient Roman caves, characterized by bizarre and fantastical imagery. Thus, 'grotesque' describes something that is strange, unnatural, or fantastically ugly, often in a humorous or absurd way.

Memory Tip

Imagine the strange and bizarre art found in ancient caves ('grotta') — that's why 'grotesque' refers to something that is oddly or fantastically ugly.

Visually Confused Words