grotesk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Formal/Literary/Academic. Used in art criticism, literature, formal description.
Quick answer
What does “grotesk” mean?
Very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural; distorted, bizarre, or absurd.
Can refer to artistic style (Grotesque art/architecture) characterized by distorted human/animal forms and fantastical interweaving; also describes something so extreme as to be ridiculous or shocking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more common in UK art/architectural discourse.
Connotations
Similarly negative for general use; neutral for art history.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both variants.
Grammar
How to Use “grotesk” in a Sentence
It is grotesque that...find sth grotesqueconsider sth grotesquedeem sth grotesqueVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grotesk” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gargoyle's face was a grotesque mixture of man and beast.
- He found the lavish spending amidst poverty utterly grotesque.
American English
- The politician's lies had reached a grotesque level.
- She wore a grotesque Halloween mask that frightened the children.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly 'grotesque inequality' in CSR reports.
Academic
Common in art history, literary criticism, sociology (e.g., 'the grotesque body').
Everyday
Rare. Used for extreme, shocking ugliness/absurdity.
Technical
Art/Architecture: a specific style category (Grotesque ornament).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grotesk”
- Using it for mild oddity. Confusing with 'gothic'. Spelling: 'grotesque' not 'grotesk'.
- Overusing as a general intensifier.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In art history, 'Grotesque' is a neutral term for a style of decoration. In general use, it is strongly negative.
'Grotesque' adds ugliness, distortion, or shock value. Something can be bizarre (very strange) but not grotesque if it's not ugly/monstrous.
Yes. You can have 'grotesque injustice', 'grotesque wealth', meaning it is shockingly and absurdly wrong/unequal.
Etymologically, yes. Both come from Italian 'grotta' (cave). 'Grotesque' ornaments were first found in Roman caves (grottoes).
Very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural.
Grotesk is usually formal/literary/academic. used in art criticism, literature, formal description. in register.
Grotesk: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrəʊˈtɛsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡroʊˈtɛsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a grotesque caricature of justice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A GROTty mask is often GROTESQUE - ugly and distorted.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTORTION IS IMMORAL / THE BIZARRE IS A MONSTER
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'grotesque' MOST neutral?