What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
picturesque
Example
The small town was so picturesque with its colorful houses and cobblestone streets. [picturesque: adjective]
Example
The artist captured the picturesque beauty of the countryside in his painting. [picturesque: noun]
scenic
Example
The drive along the coast was so scenic with its panoramic views of the ocean. [scenic: adjective]
Example
The photographer captured the scenic beauty of the mountains in her photographs. [scenic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scenic is more commonly used than picturesque in everyday language. Scenic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while picturesque is less common and may be considered more literary or poetic in style.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between picturesque and scenic?
Both picturesque and scenic can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, picturesque may be considered more formal due to its less common usage and literary connotations.