-esque
suffix
UK/ɛsk/US/ɛsk/
In the style or manner of; resembling (used to form adjectives).
Example Sentences
The painting had a dreamlike, almost surrealist-esqe quality.
Her dress was stunningly vintage-esque, reminiscent of the 1920s flapper era.
The writing had a Shakespeare-esque tone, filled with dramatic flourishes and poetic language.
The design of the building was very modern, with a Bauhaus-esque emphasis on function and simplicity.
The movie’s action sequences were Tarantino-esque, marked by their stylistic violence and dark humor.
His photography is often described as Ansel Adams-esque, capturing nature with stunning clarity.
The artist's brushstrokes gave the landscape an impressionist-esque appearance.
Their performance had a Broadway-esque grandeur, complete with elaborate costumes and lighting effects.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A suffix implying “in the style of” or resembling something else.This suffix is added to nouns (or sometimes proper nouns) to form adjectives that express resemblance to a particular artist, place, era, or distinctive style. For instance, using “Kafkaesque” suggests an atmosphere reminiscent of Franz Kafka’s writing—often surreal or nightmarish. Likewise, “picturesque” describes a scene or view that’s visually pleasing, reminiscent of an idyllic painting. Including '-esque' in an adjective signals that the subject carries qualities associated with the referenced style, look, or essence. When writing or speaking, ensure you attach '-esque' to something well-known or easily identified to avoid confusion—after all, the reader or listener needs to know what you’re referencing to appreciate the comparison. Pair these words carefully to maintain clarity: “Disneyesque” can evoke whimsical, magical imagery, while “Hitchcockesque” calls to mind suspenseful, psychological elements. In both formal and casual contexts, '-esque' can serve as a concise way to evoke particular qualities without lengthy explanations. Make sure, however, that the base word and the suffix combine smoothly and read well. If it sounds too awkward or forced, consider a more direct phrase to convey the likeness.
Alternatives
Instead of using '-esque,' you might see phrases like “in the style of,” “reminiscent of,” “in the manner of,” or “inspired by.” These alternatives can be more straightforward if your audience isn’t familiar with the suffix. For instance, rather than “Picasso-esque,” you could say “in Picasso’s style.” You can also tweak your wording to draw comparisons without relying on a direct suffix. If you need more formality or explicit clarity, rephrasing with a short descriptive clause often works better, especially when your audience may not be accustomed to specialized or creative expressions. Each approach can be effective; choose the one that best suits your tone and purpose.
Writing
When incorporating '-esque' into your writing, ensure your readers can recognize the reference. The suffix typically attaches to names or well-established concepts, letting you succinctly convey a comparison. Before using '-esque,' consider whether it adds clarity or if another construction might be more precise. For example, “Dickensian” is already an adjective, so “Dickens-esque” might feel redundant or awkward. Maintain readability by avoiding overly obscure or contrived combinations. If you do opt for '-esque,' ensure the base term is capitalized properly if it’s a proper noun (e.g., “Beethoven-esque”). Used judiciously, '-esque' lends your prose a creative flair, prompting readers to recall the unique traits of an artist, era, or movement. It can also offer an economical shortcut, communicating nuanced meaning in just a few letters. That said, overreliance on such coinages can distract or appear gimmicky, so balance is key.
Casual Conversation
In everyday speech, '-esque' might sound playful or even a bit fancy. Words like “Kafkaesque” or “cartoonish” (though “cartoonish” doesn’t use '-esque') often arise in casual conversation when describing something surreal, absurd, or caricatured. If you’re talking with friends who share your cultural references, sprinkling in '-esque' can be fun, instantly conveying a certain vibe. However, be sure the listener catches the reference—otherwise, your meaning could be lost or seem pretentious. If in doubt, use simpler phrasing, like “This is so much like a movie” or “It reminds me of something out of Kafka.” By mixing direct language with an occasional well-chosen '-esque' term, you can keep your conversations both accessible and lively.
Etymology
The English suffix '-esque' comes from French, where ‘-esque’ itself traces back to Italian ‘-esco’ and ultimately Latin. These roots carry the idea of ‘relating to’ or ‘in the style of.’ Over centuries, English speakers adopted this suffix to indicate resemblance or stylistic allusion, especially in artistic or cultural contexts. Today, it remains a vibrant way to evoke specific connotations, capturing the essence of a person’s work, an era’s hallmark, or a recognizable style in just one short element. Its continued use highlights the flexibility of the English language in borrowing from other tongues and adapting those borrowings for vivid, nuanced expression.
