What does erotical mean?
"Erotical" is an adjective meaning of or relating to sexual desire, love, or sensual pleasure — in effect, a synonym of "erotic." Both words trace back to Eros, the Greek god of love, but while "erotic" became the standard term in English, "erotical" remained a rarer, more literary alternative. It is encountered chiefly in older or deliberately archaic writing, where authors may choose it for rhythm, formality, or period flavour rather than for any difference in sense. A critic might describe a painting as having "erotical overtones," or note that a novelist's "erotical imagery" unsettled contemporary readers. Because the word is uncommon, using it today can sound affected or quaint; most modern editors would replace it with "erotic." Its value lies mainly in reading comprehension — recognising that "erotical" carries precisely the same meaning as its dominant sibling — and in appreciating how English sometimes preserves two forms of one idea while letting only one flourish.
adjectiveOf or relating to sexual desire or the expression of love and sensuality; erotic. A rarer and now largely literary variant of "erotic."
- Relating to sexual desire, love, or sensual pleasure; erotic.
"The poet's erotical imagery scandalised his Victorian readers."
"The frescoes were celebrated for their boldly erotical subject matter."
"In her early verse she explored erotical themes with surprising frankness."
English has two adjectives from the same Greek god of love — but only one, "erotic," survived into everyday use; "erotical" is its forgotten twin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of erotical
"Erotical" derives from Greek "erōs" (ἔρως), meaning sexual love or desire, via the adjective "erōtikos." The word entered English alongside "erotic" in the seventeenth century, both formed on the same Greek root, though "erotic" quickly became the prevailing form. Cognate derivatives from the same root include "erotica," "eroticism," and "erogenous."
Related word forms
How erotical is actually used
"Erotical" is rare and somewhat archaic; modern writers almost always prefer "erotic." It may appear in literary or historical texts, where it carries a slightly formal or old-fashioned tone.
Easily confused with erotical
"Erotic" is the standard, far more common adjective for describing sexual desire or arousal in art and literature, while "erotical" is an archaic or literary variant of exactly the same meaning.