Word of the Day

: October 9, 2009

baroque

adjective, often capitalized buh-ROHK

What It Means

1 : of or relating to a style of art and music marked by complex forms and bold ornamentation

2 : characterized by grotesqueness, extravagance, complexity, or flamboyance

3 : irregularly shaped

baroque in Context

She’s an immensely talented writer, but her baroque prose style is too grandiose for my taste.

Did You Know?

"Baroque" came to English from a French word meaning "irregularly shaped." At first, the word in French was used mostly to refer to pearls. Eventually, it came to describe an extravagant style of art characterized by curving lines, gilt, and gold. This type of art, which was prevalent especially in the 17th century, was sometimes considered to be excessively decorated and overly complicated. It makes sense, therefore, that the meaning of the word "baroque" has broadened to include anything that seems excessively ornate or elaborate.