texture
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
The feel, appearance, or consistency of a surface or substance, especially relating to the arrangement of its constituent parts.
A broader sense of character or quality, often relating to the complexity and interplay of elements in art, music, food, or experience.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Core meaning is physical/tactile (touch/see). Extended meaning is abstract/metaphorical. Has rare verb use meaning 'to give a texture to'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Verb usage is equally rare. Spelling and pronunciation differ slightly.
Connotations
Equally used in culinary, artistic, and descriptive contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [material] has a [adjective] texture.It feels [adjective] in texture.To texture [something] with [something].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A rich tapestry (metaphorically related)”
- “To have a bit of texture (figurative: complexity)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in marketing for products like food, fabrics, or cosmetics (e.g., 'Our new moisturiser improves skin texture').
Academic
Used in materials science, geology, art history, musicology, and sensory analysis (e.g., 'The texture of the igneous rock is porphyritic').
Everyday
Commonly describes food, fabrics, hair, skin, and craft materials (e.g., 'I love the texture of this bread').
Technical
Specific meanings in computer graphics (applying a 2D image to a 3D model) and soil science (particle size distribution).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The artist textured the canvas with sand and glue.
- They textured the wall to create a rustic effect.
American English
- The contractor textured the ceiling with a stomp brush.
- This software can texture a 3D model realistically.
adverb
British English
- The paint was applied texturally.
- The ingredients were combined texturally.
American English
- The piece is constructed texturally rather than melodically.
- The fabric varies texturally across its length.
adjective
British English
- It was a very textural experience.
- The painter is known for her textural work.
American English
- The textural differences in the soil samples were noted.
- He focuses on the textural elements of sound.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This blanket has a soft texture.
- I don't like the texture of mushrooms.
- The texture of the bread is very crunchy.
- Different woods have different textures.
- The composer used the orchestra to create a dense musical texture.
- Adding nuts will give the salad more texture.
- The film's narrative texture is complex, weaving together multiple timelines.
- Critics praised the rich textural palette of the poet's latest collection.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of TEXTure as the 'TEXT'ure of a fabric – the woven pattern you can see and feel.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPERIENCE IS TEXTURE (e.g., 'a textured conversation', 'adding texture to one's life').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'текстура' only for physical materials; for abstract 'character', use 'характер', 'особенность'. 'Consistency' (as in food) is often 'консистенция'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'texture' as a direct synonym for 'pattern' (a pattern is visual design, texture is tactile/structural). Confusing with 'structure' (internal arrangement vs. surface feel).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'texture' used most metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While the core meaning is tactile, it extends to visual appearance (e.g., 'visual texture' in art) and abstract qualities (e.g., 'texture of a sound' in music).
Yes, but it's less common. It means to give a particular texture to something, often in art, construction, or computer graphics (e.g., 'to texture a wall' or 'to texture a 3D model').
'Texture' typically refers to the surface quality or feel (e.g., rough, smooth) and the arrangement of small constituent parts. 'Structure' refers to the overall organization and framework of the whole object or system.
Use it to describe the mouthfeel and consistency of food and drink (e.g., creamy, crunchy, gritty, velvety). Example: 'The soup has a lovely smooth texture.'