still life: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1 (specialized but common in art contexts)Formal / Academic / Artistic
Quick answer
What does “still life” mean?
A painting or drawing of inanimate objects, typically arranged in a deliberate composition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A painting or drawing of inanimate objects, typically arranged in a deliberate composition.
The art genre or technique of creating such images; can metaphorically refer to any carefully arranged static composition of objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically for the art genre.
Connotations
Associated with traditional art training, observation skills, and composition.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties when discussing art.
Grammar
How to Use “still life” in a Sentence
create/paint/draw a still life [of something]specialize in still lifeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “still life” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Her still life of wilting flowers won first prize at the summer exhibition.
- The course begins with basic still life to teach tone and form.
American English
- The gallery featured a stunning still life of antique bottles and books.
- He set up a simple still life with an apple and a ceramic jug for his students.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used, except perhaps in art retail or auction contexts.
Academic
Common in art history, fine art, and visual culture studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing art, hobbies, or interior decoration.
Technical
Specific term in art criticism and practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “still life”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “still life”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “still life”
- Using 'still lives' as plural (correct: 'still lifes'), Confusing with 'lifeless'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a two-word compound noun, typically written as two separate words.
Yes, the term can apply to photography that follows the same compositional principles as the painting genre.
Common objects include fruit, flowers, vessels, books, skulls (vanitas), and household items.
It comes from the Dutch 'stilleven', meaning 'motionless or quiet model', reflecting the unmoving nature of the subjects.
A painting or drawing of inanimate objects, typically arranged in a deliberate composition.
Still life is usually formal / academic / artistic in register.
Still life: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstɪl ˈlaɪf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstɪl ˈlaɪf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A still life of the mind (metaphorical for a fixed, unchanging mental state)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "STILL" (not moving) "LIFE" (objects from life) = painting of unmoving everyday objects.
Conceptual Metaphor
STILLNESS IS CONTEMPLATION; ARRANGEMENT IS NARRATIVE (a composed scene tells a silent story).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct plural form of 'still life'?