What does photographic mean?
Photographic is an adjective meaning connected with photographs, cameras, or the art and process of photography. It can describe equipment, techniques, materials, or images, as in photographic equipment, photographic techniques, and photographic images. The word is also used in phrases such as photographic evidence, where it suggests that something has been captured in a photograph, and photographic memory, meaning an exceptionally vivid recollection. In art and design, photographic style refers to a visual approach associated with photographs or photographic processes. Photographic is formed from photograph, a word combining Greek roots meaning “light” and “drawing,” with the adjectival suffix -ic. The term is common in both British and US English and is broadly neutral, although its use in legal, journalistic, and scientific settings can carry the implication of factual or documentary evidence.
adjectiveRelating to photographs or photography, especially to the process, techniques, or characteristics of taking photographs. It can also mean represented or recorded in a photograph.
- Relating to photographs, photography, or the process of taking photographs.
"The museum preserves a detailed photographic record of the building before its restoration."
"The laboratory developed new photographic techniques for recording the experiment."
"Her vivid recollection of the holiday is almost photographic."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does photographic come from?
Photographic is an English adjective formed from photograph, itself created by combining the Greek phōtos, meaning “light,” with graphē, meaning “drawing” or “writing.” The adjective developed during the nineteenth century as photography and photographic processes became established. It shares its roots with photograph, photographer, photography, and photogenic.
Related word forms
How photographic is actually used
The adjective is widely used in British and US English. In legal, journalistic, scientific, and historical contexts, it often emphasizes the evidential or documentary role of a photograph; in artistic contexts, it can describe a style or method associated with photography.
Easily confused with photographic
Photographic means relating to photographs or photography, whereas photogenic describes a person, place, or thing that appears especially attractive in photographs.