art
gb/ˈɑɹt/ us/ˈɑɹt/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Visual creative works
Paintings, drawings, and similar things made to be beautiful or express ideas.
Usage pattern:
[someone] makes [art]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'art' with 'arts' when talking about different branches like music or literature; 'art' usually refers to visual works unless specified otherwise.
Synonyms
visual art (Specifically refers to art forms that are primarily visual in nature.)
Antonyms
craft (Focuses more on functional or practical making rather than purely aesthetic creation.)
Collocations
modern art
|art gallery
|art exhibition
|art class
|art museum
Themes
culture
|entertainment
|education
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The museum has an impressive collection of modern art.
- She studied art at university before becoming a painter.
- Art can inspire people to see the world differently.
- He bought a piece of abstract art for his living room.
Learner examples
- I like looking at art in the museum.
- She makes art with paint and paper.
- We saw many kinds of art at the show.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Creative or specialized skill
A special skill in making or doing something well, especially in a creative way.
Usage pattern:
the art of [doing something]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that 'art' here doesn't refer to paintings but to skill in any area.
Synonyms
craft (Emphasizes skill and technique, sometimes in a practical trade.)
Antonyms
ineptitude (Lack of skill or ability in doing something.)
Collocations
the art of conversation
|the art of cooking
|martial arts
Themes
work
|education
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- Teaching is an art as much as a science.
- She has mastered the art of negotiation.
- Cooking is both an art and a science.
- The art of storytelling is timeless.
Learner examples
- I want to learn the art of cooking.
- He knows the art of speaking well.
- Drawing is an art that takes time.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Cultural creative subjects
Things like music, painting, and theater that people make to express ideas and feelings.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'art' (singular) with 'the arts' (plural) when referring to multiple disciplines.
Synonyms
the arts (Plural form used to encompass all creative disciplines.)
Antonyms
sciences (Refers to academic disciplines focused on systematic study of the natural world.)
Collocations
arts education
|performing arts
|liberal arts
Themes
culture
|education
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- She believes arts education is essential for children.
- Funding for the arts has increased this year.
- The festival celebrates the arts from around the world.
Learner examples
- I like to study the arts at school.
- The arts are important for our culture.
- He works in the arts industry.
Grammar
Dictionary form
art
IPA
GB/ˈɑɹt/
US/ˈɑɹt/
Syllables & stress
art (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (art)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: art
- Plural: art, arts
Word family
Forms
arts
noun
Related words
artwork
noun B1
artistically
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
unartistic
adjective
Advanced or less common
artistry
noun C1
Expressions
state of the art
1/stˈeɪt əv ðə ˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
Most advanced stage
Using the newest and best technology or methods available now.
Examples
- The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art computers.
- This phone has state-of-the-art features.
the art of [something]
1/ðə ˈɑɹt əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Skill in a specific activity
A special skill or way of doing something well.
Examples
- He has perfected the art of storytelling.
- The book teaches the art of negotiation.
work of art
1/wˈɚk əv ˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
Object of high artistic value
Something made with great skill and beauty.
Examples
- Her dress was a real work of art.
- The painting is considered a work of art.