Aesthetical

Aesthetical is an adjective meaning related to aesthetics, the branch of philosophy dealing with beauty, taste, and art. It is a variant of the more common adjective aesthetic. In modern English, aesthetic is overwhelmingly preferred; aesthetical is used mainly in older texts or in certain formal or British styles.

Etymology: aesthetical derives from Greek aisthētikos “perceptive, pertaining to sense” via Latin aestheticus and French esthétique, entering English as both aesthetic and aesthetical. The suffix -al yields aesthetical, aligning with other English adjectives formed from Greek roots.

Usage notes: In contemporary usage, aesthetical tends to be rare and can sound archaic or overly formal. It is more likely to appear in historical philosophical writings or to convey a deliberate scholarly tone. Where a modern author discusses beauty or taste, aesthetic is typically preferred.

See also: aesthetics, aestheticism, aesthetician, aestheticize.