aesthetic

I. adjective also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical 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 • aesthetically also esthetically 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 aesthetics

> <

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 aesthetics of the gemstones

>