pictographic

IPA/pˌɪktəɡɹˈafɪk/
IPA/pˌɪktəɡɹˈæfɪk/

pictographic — 形容詞

  • pictographicpositive
  • more pictographiccomparative
  • most pictographicsuperlative

1. using picture symbols that stand for things, words, or ideas.

1.形容詞C2
釋義

象形式的

用圖畫符號來表意的

using picture symbols that stand for things, words, or ideas.

例句

The old tablets use a pictographic system for counting grain in storage.

那些古老泥板用象形式系統來記錄倉庫裡的穀物數量。

pictographic + system

Our textbook shows how pictographic symbols later became written characters.

我們的課本說明了象形式符號後來如何變成文字。

pictographic + symbols

同義詞
  • picture-based

    a plain descriptive phrase with almost the same meaning, but less technical than pictographic

  • ideographic

    more technical and often stresses symbols that represent ideas rather than pictures of things

反義詞
  • alphabetic

    using letters to represent sounds instead of picture symbols

  • phonetic

    focused on sound representation rather than picture-based meaning

文法句型

pictographic writing

pictographic system

pictographic symbol

用法筆記

Usually modifies writing, systems, records, or symbols. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes material that uses picture signs, not one sign that is itself one.

常見錯誤

❌English uses a pictographic alphabet.
✅Some ancient writing systems were pictographic.
💡this sense is for systems built from picture signs, not ordinary alphabetic writing.

2. acting as a picture sign that directly shows the thing or idea it stands for.

2.形容詞C2
釋義

象形符號的

本身作為圖畫符號的

acting as a picture sign that directly shows the thing or idea it stands for.

例句

The washroom symbol is pictographic, so children understand it at once.

洗手間標誌本身是象形符號的，所以孩子一看就懂。

be pictographic

The warning label is pictographic, showing a hand near a sharp blade.

那張警告標籤是象形符號的，上面畫著一隻手靠近鋒利刀片。

同義詞
  • iconic

    close when a sign shows its meaning through an image, though iconic is broader

  • symbolic

    broader and less visual, because a symbolic sign may not look like the thing it represents

反義詞
  • verbal

    communicating with words rather than pictures

  • text-based

    depending on written language instead of picture signs

文法句型

be pictographic

pictographic icon

pictographic sign

用法筆記

Often describes a single sign, icon, or label that people can understand without reading text. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about one symbol, not a whole system of writing.

常見錯誤

❌The map is pictographic because it has many details.
✅The toilet sign is pictographic because the picture itself gives the message.
💡this sense is for a sign that works as a picture symbol.

3. having a simple visual style that looks like a picture sign.

3.形容詞C2
釋義

圖像化的

外觀像象形符號的

having a simple visual style that looks like a picture sign.

例句

The designer chose a pictographic style, with flat people and bold shapes.

設計師選了圖像化的風格，裡面的人物扁平，形狀也很醒目。

pictographic + style

The app has a pictographic look, so young children can use it easily.

那個 app 有圖像化的外觀，所以年紀小的孩子也容易使用。

pictographic + look

同義詞
  • picture-like

    a simpler descriptive phrase for looking like a picture sign

  • icon-like

    close when shapes look simplified like modern icons

反義詞
  • realistic

    showing natural detail instead of simplified sign-like shapes

  • detailed

    stressing fine visual detail rather than reduced, sign-like forms

文法句型

pictographic style

pictographic look

pictographic map

用法筆記

Often used for designs, maps, and teaching materials that rely on flat, simplified shapes. Distinguish from sense 2: something pictographic in this sense only looks like a pictograph; it does not itself function as one.

常見錯誤

❌The report is pictographic because it is easy to read.
✅The poster is pictographic because its images are drawn like simple signs.
💡this sense is about visual style, not general clarity.