I. adjective
also es·thet·ic es-ˈthe-tik, is-, Brit usu ēs- ; or aes·thet·i·cal or es·thet·i·cal -ti-kəl
Etymology: German ästhetisch, from New Latin aestheticus, from Greek aisthētikos of sense perception, from aisthanesthai to perceive — more at audible
Date: 1798
1.
a. : of, relating to, or dealing with aesthetics or the beautiful
aesthetic theories
b. : artistic
a work of aesthetic value
c. : pleasing in appearance : attractive
easy-to-use keyboards, clear graphics, and other ergonomic and aesthetic features — Mark Mehler
2. : appreciative of, responsive to, or zealous about the beautiful ; also : responsive to or appreciative of what is pleasurable to the senses
• aes·thet·i·cal·ly also es·thet·i·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē adverb
II. noun
also esthetic
Date: 1822
1. plural but singular or plural in construction : a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste and with the creation and appreciation of beauty
2. : a particular theory or conception of beauty or art : a particular taste for or approach to what is pleasing to the senses and especially sight
modernist aesthetic s
staging new ballets which reflected the aesthetic of the new nation — Mary Clarke & Clement Crisp
3. plural : a pleasing appearance or effect : beauty
appreciated the aesthetic s of the gemstones