cinematic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “cinematic” mean?
Relating to or characteristic of cinema or film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to or characteristic of cinema or film.
Having qualities that are impressive, dramatic, or visually spectacular in a way reminiscent of film.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling identical.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be used in artistic/critical contexts in UK English; more broadly applied to entertainment/tech in US English.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “cinematic” in a Sentence
be + cinematichave + a cinematic + qualitypossess + cinematic + grandeurVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cinematic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used. 'Cinematicaly' is non-standard. Use 'in a cinematic way'.]
American English
- [Rarely used. 'Cinematicaly' is non-standard. Use 'in a cinematic way'.]
adjective
British English
- The director's cinematic vision was breathtaking.
- The game offers a truly cinematic adventure.
American English
- The cinematic effects in that show are incredible.
- He has a very cinematic way of telling stories.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in marketing for products (games, TVs) to suggest high-quality visual experience.
Academic
Used in film studies, media theory, and narrative analysis.
Everyday
Describing something that feels like a movie (e.g., a sunset, a moment).
Technical
In film production, referring to techniques, standards, or equipment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cinematic”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cinematic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cinematic”
- Using 'cinematic' to describe only old or black-and-white films (it applies to all film).
- Overusing it for any visually pleasing thing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to describe anything (a novel, a moment, a video game) that has the impressive, visual, or dramatic qualities associated with film.
It is neutral to formal. It is common in reviews, criticism, and marketing, but can be used in everyday conversation.
There is no direct noun form. Related nouns are 'cinema' (the art or medium) and 'cinematics' (sometimes used in gaming/tech for film-like sequences).
No, it can refer to the overall experience, including sound, narrative structure, and emotional impact, though the visual component is often central.
Relating to or characteristic of cinema or film.
Cinematic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪn.əˈmæt.ɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪn.əˈmæt̬.ɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms with 'cinematic' as a fixed component]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CINEmatic = CINEma + dramatic. Think of the 'cine' in cinema.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A MOVIE / EXPERIENCES ARE FILMS
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'cinematic' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?