- Main Entry:
- 1fan·tas·tic
- Pronunciation:
-
\fan-ˈtas-tik, fən-\
- Variant(s):
- also fan·tas·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\
- Function:
- adjective
- Etymology:
- Middle English fantastic, fantastical, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French fantastique, from Late Latin phantasticus, from Greek phantastikos producing mental images, from phantazein to present to the mind — more at fancy
- Date:
- 14th century
1 a: based on fantasy : not real b: conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy c: so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable; broadly : exceedingly large or great2: marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric3fantastic : excellent, superlative <a fantastic meal>
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fan·tas·ti·cal·i·ty \(ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-ˈka-lə-tē, fən-\ noun —
fan·tas·ti·cal·ness \-ˈtas-tə-kəl-nəs\ noun synonyms fantastic,
bizarre,
grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality.
fantastic may connote unrestrained extravagance in conception or merely ingenuity of decorative invention
<dreamed up fantastic rumors to spread>.
bizarre applies to the sensationally queer or strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination
<a bizarre medieval castle built in the heart of a modern city>.
grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones
<grotesque statues adorn the cathedral> <though grief-stricken, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile>.
synonyms see in addition imaginary
