Definition of aesthetic

< aesthete

aesthetician >

aes·thet·ic or es·thet·ic    (s-thtk) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Relating to the philosophy or theories of aesthetics.
2. Of or concerning the appreciation of beauty or good taste: the aesthetic faculties.
3. Characterized by a heightened sensitivity to beauty.
4. Artistic: The play was an aesthetic success.
5. Informal Conforming to accepted notions of good taste.

NOUN:

1. A guiding principle in matters of artistic beauty and taste; artistic sensibility: "a generous Age of Aquarius aesthetic that said that everything was art" (William Wilson).
2. An underlying principle, a set of principles, or a view often manifested by outward appearances or style of behavior: "What troubled him was the squalor of [the colonel's] aesthetic" (Lewis H. Lapham).

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ETYMOLOGY:
German ästhetisch, from New Latin aesthticus, from Greek aisthtikos, of sense perception, from aisthta, perceptible things, from aisthanesthai, to perceive; see au- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
aes·theti·cal·ly(Adverb)