antipoetical
|an-ti-po-e-ti-cal|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.poʊˈɛtɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.pəʊˈɛtɪkəl/
against poetry / lacking poetic quality
Etymology
'antipoetical' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the Greek-derived prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' and the adjective 'poetical' (from Latin 'poeta' via Middle English 'poetical').
'poetical' comes from Middle English 'poetical', from Old French/Latin influences (Latin 'poeta' from Greek 'poiētēs' meaning 'maker'), and 'anti-' (Greek 'antí') was prefixed in Modern English to create 'antipoetical'.
Initially the components meant 'against' + 'pertaining to poets/poetry', and over time the combined term has been used to describe attitudes, styles, or works that are opposed to or lacking in poetic qualities.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
opposed to or hostile toward poetry or poetic modes of expression; exhibiting qualities that reject or are inconsistent with poetic style.
The critic described the essay as antipoetical, praising its plain clarity rather than any lyrical flourish.
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Adjective 2
lacking poetic qualities; plain, prosaic, or unimaginative in a way that contrasts with what is typically considered poetic.
Her report was deliberately antipoetical, focused on data and facts rather than evocative description.
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Last updated: 2025/09/07 10:02