erotic
gb/ɪɹˈɑtɪk/ us/ɪɹˈɑtɪk/
B2
English
~ 4100
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
Sexually arousing
Making people feel sexual desire or excitement.
Usage pattern:
[something] is erotic
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'erotic' with 'exotic'. 'Exotic' means unusual or from a foreign place, not sexual.
Synonyms
sensual (Focuses on physical pleasure in general, not only sexual.)
|
sexual (More general and clinical; not necessarily arousing.)
Antonyms
nonsexual (Lacking any sexual content or intention.)
|
chaste (Avoiding sexual activity or imagery.)
Collocations
erotic novel
|erotic scene
|erotic art
|erotic fantasy
|erotic imagery
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|art
|health
Examples
- The film contained several erotic scenes that were essential to the story.
- She bought an anthology of erotic poetry from different cultures.
- The painting was considered too erotic for public display.
- His writing style is subtle yet deeply erotic.
- They shared an erotic moment that changed their relationship.
Learner examples
- The movie had some erotic scenes.
- He read an erotic story.
- The artist made an erotic painting.
- They watched an erotic dance.
- She wrote an erotic poem.
adjective
literary
C1
property
2
Sexually passionate in nature
Showing strong love mixed with sexual feelings.
Usage pattern:
[something] is erotic
Synonyms
amorous (Focuses on romantic love, often without explicit sexual detail.)
Antonyms
platonic (Describes love or friendship without sexual desire.)
Collocations
erotic verse
|erotic imagery
|erotic longing
|erotic symbolism
Themes
relationships
|emotions
|literature
Examples
- Her letters to him were filled with erotic imagery and longing.
- The poem captured an intensely erotic moment between the lovers.
- The novel's erotic undertones made it both tender and provocative.
Learner examples
- The poem has erotic words.
- He wrote an erotic letter to her.
- The story shows an erotic love.
Grammar
Dictionary form
erotic
IPA
GB/ɪɹˈɑtɪk/
US/ɪɹˈɑtɪk/
Syllables & stress
erot - ic (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ic)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: erotic
Word family
Core family
Related words
eroticize
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unerotic
adjective
Advanced or less common
eroticization
noun
Expressions
erotic art
1/ɪɹˈɑtɪk ˈɑɹt/
fixed phrase
Sexually arousing visual artworks
Paintings, sculptures, or other visual art made to make people feel sexual desire.
Examples
- The museum's collection includes ancient examples of erotic art.
- He is known for creating erotic art that challenges social norms.
erotic fantasy
1/ɪɹˈɑtɪk fˈæntəsi/
fixed phrase
Sexually arousing imagined situation
imagined situation intended to cause sexual arousal
erotic literature
1/ɪɹˈɑtɪk lˈɪtɚət͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Sexually arousing written works
Books or stories that are written to make people feel sexual desire.
Examples
- She specializes in translating classic erotic literature.
- The bookstore has a section dedicated to erotic literature.