Imagistic

Relating to or characterized by vivid and evocative imagery. This adjective describes writing, art, or expression that relies heavily on sensory details, figurative language (similes, metaphors, personification, etc.), and concrete representations to create powerful mental images in the reader or viewer's mind. An imagistic style aims to bypass direct explanation and instead convey meaning through the skillful deployment of pictures created by words or visual elements. It prioritizes showing over telling, making the experience more impactful and memorable.

Imagistic meaning with examples

• The poet's use of imagistic language transformed the mundane into the magical. Her descriptions of the storm, filled with 'lightning's jagged teeth' and the 'wind's icy fingers,' painted a vivid picture in the reader's imagination, creating a palpable sense of awe and terror within the scene. It showcased the power of simple words.
• The artist's paintings were known for their intensely imagistic quality. His brushstrokes, filled with bold colors and dynamic compositions, constructed striking visions. Each piece was a story told not through narrative, but through meticulously crafted visual metaphors, making it an immersive experience where emotion could be felt.
• The film director used imagistic storytelling to create an atmosphere of suspense and unease. The slow panning shots of a shadowy house, coupled with the sound of the wind, established a psychological tension. His approach made you feel and experience a sense of foreboding, without overtly explaining what was going to happen.
• Critics noted the novelist's imagistic prose was a key element of their success. Through evocative descriptions and carefully chosen metaphors, their novels created a palpable atmosphere. This allowed readers to engage in the text on a deeper level, creating emotional resonance, ultimately leading to the book's popularity.