I. fan-ˈtas-tik, fən- adjective
also fan·tas·ti·cal -ti-kəl
Etymology: Middle English fantastic, fantastical, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French fantastique, from Late Latin phantasticus, from Greek phantastikos producing mental images, from phantazein to present to the mind — more at fancy
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : based on fantasy : not real
b. : conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy
c. : so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable ; broadly : exceedingly large or great
2. : marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric
3. fantastic : excellent , superlative
a fantastic meal
• fan·tas·ti·cal·i·ty (ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-ˈka-lə-tē, fən- noun
• fan·tas·ti·cal·ness -ˈtas-tə-kəl-nəs noun
Synonyms:
fantastic , bizarre , grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality. fantastic may connote unrestrained extravagance in conception or merely ingenuity of decorative invention
dreamed up fantastic rumors to spread
bizarre applies to the sensationally queer or strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination
a bizarre medieval castle built in the heart of a modern city
grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones
grotesque statues adorn the cathedral
though grief-stricken, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile
Synonym: see in addition imaginary .
II. noun
Date: 1598
: eccentric 2