graphic
graphic — adjective
1. Portraying something with such clear, realistic detail that the audience can pic
Portraying something with such clear, realistic detail that the audience can picture the scene clearly — commonly used when the subject involves violence, injury, sex, or other disturbing content.
The documentary contained graphic images of the disaster that were hard to watch.
collocation: graphic images of [disaster/violence]
Jiwoo gave such a graphic account of the surgery that several students turned pale.
collocation: graphic account of [event]
Newspapers often warn readers before publishing graphic photographs of accident scenes.
The principal asked the teacher not to show graphic clips of the battle.
Sora found the novel too graphic for his taste and stopped reading halfway through.
文法句型
graphic + noun (attributive)
be + graphic (predicative)
用法筆記
This sense carries a strong emotional charge — using it for neutral or positive topics sounds unnatural (e.g., ❌ 'a graphic description of the sunset'). Reserve it for scenes that are striking in a disturbing or very intense way.
常見錯誤
2. Connected with drawing, painting, printing, and visual design — especially the u
Connected with drawing, painting, printing, and visual design — especially the use of images, colours, and words together in books, magazines, advertisements, and on websites.
Lucía is studying graphic design at a college in Milan.
compound noun: graphic design
The publisher hired a freelance graphic artist to illustrate the children's book.
compound noun: graphic artist
Cyrus spends every weekend reading graphic novels at the public library in Kaohsiung.
The graphic designer created a new logo for the coffee shop in under two days.
- visual
broader; includes anything seen, not just drawn or printed
- pictorial
more formal; relates specifically to pictures rather than words
- illustrative
focuses on explaining or decorating with images
文法句型
graphic + [art/design/novel/artist]
用法筆記
Frequently used as the first part of compound nouns (graphic design, graphic artist, graphic novel). In this sense graphic is always attributive — you cannot say ❌ 'The design is very graphic' to mean it involves images.
常見錯誤
3. Relating to or shown by a graph — a diagram that uses lines or bars to represent
Relating to or shown by a graph — a diagram that uses lines or bars to represent numbers and how they change over time or across categories.
The report included a graphic representation of the company's revenue since 2019.
collocation: graphic representation of [data]
Vivek used a graphic method to compare the monthly rainfall across five cities.
collocation: graphic method
Each chapter ends with a graphic summary of the key statistics in bar-chart form.
Gabriela's science project included a graphic comparison of temperature changes across the school year.
- chart-based
more specific; refers only to charts, not all graphs
- diagrammatic
broader; includes any abstract visual representation
文法句型
graphic + [representation/display/method]
用法筆記
Restricted to formal, academic, or technical writing. In everyday conversation, people say 'shown in a graph' or 'using a chart' rather than 'graphic representation'. Do NOT confuse with sense 1 — a 'graphic' display of data is a chart, not a disturbing image.
常見錯誤
graphic — noun
1. A single picture, diagram, or symbol that is created or displayed on a computer
A single picture, diagram, or symbol that is created or displayed on a computer screen to show information or to make a design look better.
The software lets you insert a graphic of the Earth into your presentation.
pattern: a graphic of [subject]
Ayana created a 3D graphic of the new office building for the client meeting.
modified: 3D graphic
Each web page should include at least one graphic to break up the text.
Meera inserted a simple graphic of a pie chart into her economics presentation.
文法句型
a/an + [adjective] + graphic
graphic of + [subject]
用法筆記
Countable — you can say 'a graphic' or 'three graphics'. Often replaced by 'image' in general usage, but 'graphic' emphasizes that it is computer-generated or data-related.
常見錯誤
2. The set of pictures, drawings, symbols, and other visual elements that appear in
The set of pictures, drawings, symbols, and other visual elements that appear in a publication, on a screen, or in a digital product — usually created using computer software.
The graphics in this video game look almost as realistic as a Hollywood movie.
plural: the graphics [plural verb]
Michael upgraded his computer's graphics card so he could edit 4K videos smoothly.
compound: graphics card
The magazine's graphics are colourful and modern, attracting younger readers.
Nora specialises in motion graphics for television commercials and online ads.
文法句型
[adjective] + graphics
graphics + [noun] (compound)
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form 'graphics'. When referring to a single image, use sense 1 ('a graphic') instead. 'Graphics' can also form compounds: graphics card, graphics processor, graphics software.
常見錯誤
3. The academic subject or professional field of creating visual images and designs
The academic subject or professional field of creating visual images and designs — including drawing, computer rendering, animation, and layout — for use in books, websites, advertising, and other media.
Indra is studying graphics at a vocational school in Singapore.
uncountable: studying graphics
A degree in graphics can lead to jobs in advertising, publishing, or web development.
Dewi took evening classes in graphics after working as a secretary for three years.
Ife chose to specialise in graphics because she enjoys combining art with technology.
- graphic design
more specific; focuses on layout, typography, and visual communication
- visual arts
broader; includes painting, sculpture, photography
文法句型
study/work in graphics
a degree/course in graphics
用法筆記
Uncountable — do not say ❌ 'a graphics' to mean the field. Use 'computer graphics' or 'graphic design' for more specific fields. This sense is less common as a standalone word than the compound forms.