German word

plastisch

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈplastɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adjectivethree-dimensional

Example

Die Skulpturen wirken am plastischsten in diesem Licht.

The sculptures look most three-dimensional in this light.

Illustration for plastisch (three-dimensional)

More examples

Er schilderte die Szene sehr plastisch.

He described the scene very vividly.

Core concept

A form stands out with depth, contours, and surface details clear enough to seem almost tangible.

Common phrases

  • plastisch darstellen

    represent three-dimensionally

  • plastisch wirken

    appear three-dimensional

  • ein plastisches Bild

    a three-dimensional image

Similar words

anschaulich: Expressed clearly enough to be easily understood or pictured.
dreidimensional: Having depth and the form of a solid three-dimensional object.
räumlich: Showing the arrangement, extent, or relationships of things in space.
lebensecht: So realistic in appearance that a person or object seems almost alive.

Definition in German

so, dass Form und Details räumlich und anschaulich wahrgenommen werden

Word origin

German plastisch comes through Latin plasticus from Greek plastikos, meaning fit for molding, and later developed senses linked to three-dimensional form and vivid presentation.

Usage tips

  • German plastisch usually describes a three-dimensional or vivid effect, while physical plastic is normally Kunststoff or Plastik.

Other meanings

  • concreteadjective
  • vividadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Plastizitätthree-dimensionalitynoun

Word lists with this word