statuesque

IPA/ˌstætʃuˈesk/
KK[stˌætʃuˈɛsk]IPA/ˌstætʃuˈesk/

statuesque — adjective

  • statuesquepositive
  • more statuesquecomparative
  • most statuesquesuperlative

1. describes someone, especially a woman, whose height, balanced shape, and calm be

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

describes someone, especially a woman, whose height, balanced shape, and calm bearing make her look grand in the way a statue does.

Example

At the school concert, Tara looked statuesque in a long silver gown.

look + statuesque after a linking verb

The photographer chose Sofia for her statuesque height and steady pose.

statuesque + noun describing appearance

Common collocations
  • statuesque figure
  • statuesque beauty
  • statuesque model
  • statuesque pose
  • look statuesque
Synonyms
  • elegant

    focuses on graceful style and does not necessarily imply unusual height

  • striking

    emphasizes a strong visual effect, even without the calm statue-like quality

  • regal

    suggests queenly dignity or authority more than balanced physical shape

Antonyms
  • plain

    not especially noticeable or impressive in appearance

  • awkward

    lacking the balanced, graceful shape implied by statuesque

Grammar Patterns

statuesque + noun

look/appear + statuesque

Usage Note

Most often used in descriptions of women in fashion, film, or formal settings. It suggests height, balanced shape, and quiet grandeur, so it sounds less natural for lively movement or ordinary casual appearance.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Tall only describes height. Elegant focuses on graceful style or movement and can be used for people or things of any size. Striking means someone attracts attention because of a strong appearance, but it does not automatically suggest the calm, balanced, statue-like beauty that statuesque does. Regal adds a sense of royal dignity, while statuesque keeps the focus on impressive height and shape.

tall ↗elegant ↗striking ↗regal

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • look statuesque in a gown
  • a statuesque young woman

Etymology

LatinItalianFrenchEnglish

Statuesque was formed from statue and the adjective ending -esque, which came into English through French from Italian -esco. It first meant having the look of a statue and later became especially common in descriptions of tall, impressively beautiful women.

First known use

1799

1799, in the meaning defined above