optical
gb/ˈɑptɪkəl/ us/ˈɑptɪkəl/
B1
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Relating to sight or light
About seeing or using light, often in machines or tools.
Usage pattern:
[optical] [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'optical' with 'visual'. 'Optical' is often used for technical or scientific contexts, while 'visual' is broader.
Synonyms
visual (General term for anything related to sight, not specifically technology-based.)
|
optic (More technical or specialized, often used in anatomy or optics fields.)
Antonyms
nonvisual (Not involving sight or vision.)
Collocations
optical illusion
|optical fiber
|optical lens
|optical sensor
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- The microscope uses an advanced optical system to magnify tiny objects.
- She studied optical engineering at university.
- Optical fibers are used to transmit data over long distances.
- The optical properties of the glass make it ideal for lenses.
Learner examples
- This camera has an optical zoom.
- I saw an optical illusion in the book.
- The optical cable sends the signal fast.
- We learned about optical tools in science class.
adjective
B1
property
2
Causing a visual illusion
Made to make you see something that is not real or is different from what it is.
Usage pattern:
[optical] [noun]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'optical' here means 'related to glasses', but in this context it refers to illusions or tricks of sight.
Synonyms
illusory (More formal and not limited to visual effects; can refer to any false impression.)
Antonyms
realistic (Appearing true to life without distortion.)
Collocations
optical illusion
|optical trick
Themes
art
|perception
|science
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The painting uses optical effects to create depth.
- That’s just an optical illusion caused by the lighting.
- An optical trick made the hallway look longer than it was.
Learner examples
- This picture is an optical illusion.
- The street looks bent because of an optical trick.
- An optical illusion can fool your eyes.
Grammar
Dictionary form
optical
IPA
GB/ˈɑptɪkəl/
US/ˈɑptɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
op - tic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (op)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: optical
Word family
Core family
optically
adverb
optics
noun
optician
noun
Related words
optic
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
optometrist
noun
optometry
noun
Expressions
optical fiber
1/ˈɑptɪkəl fˈaɪbɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
A cable transmitting light signals
A thin wire that sends information as light.
Examples
- Internet service through optical fiber is very fast.
- The company installed new optical fiber cables in the city.
optical zoom
1/ˈɑptɪkəl zˈum/
fixed phrase
technical
Camera zoom by lens movement
A way to make things look closer in a camera by moving the lens, not by using software.
Examples
- This camera has 10x optical zoom for clear close-ups.
- Optical zoom keeps the image sharp compared to digital zoom.
optical illusion
1/ˈɑptɪkəl ɪlˈuʒən/
fixed phrase
A misleading visual perception
Something you see that looks different from what it really is.
Examples
- The magician’s trick was just an optical illusion.
- The famous picture of the two faces and the vase is an optical illusion.
- From this angle, the tower’s tilt is an optical illusion.
- From a distance, the road seemed wet, but it was just an optical illusion.