Bildlich

Bildlich is an adjective in the German language meaning pictorial, visual, or figurative. It describes things that rely on images or convey meaning through imagery rather than literal statements. In linguistic and literary contexts it is often contrasted with wörtlich (literal) to distinguish figurative or metaphorical usage from factually accurate wording.

Etymology: Bildlich is derived from Bild (image, picture) plus the suffix -lich, forming an adjective. The concept has historical roots in German rhetoric and aesthetics, where image-based expression is a central category.

Usage and examples: In everyday language, bildlich can describe descriptions, language, or depictions that evoke mental images. For example, eine bildliche Beschreibung or bildliche Sprache relies on imagery and metaphor. The adverbial form bildlich gesagt is used to mark figurative speech. In non-linguistic contexts, eine bildliche Darstellung refers to a visual depiction, such as an illustration or diagram.

Bildlichkeit and related terms: In philosophy, art theory, and cultural studies the noun Bildlichkeit denotes the capacity of images to convey meaning, contributing to visual culture. This concept appears in discussions of media, theatre, and painting as a complement to verbal communication, and it helps explain how visuals shape understanding and interpretation.

See also: Bild, Bildsprache, Bildlichkeit, Bildende Kunst, Metapher, Wörtlich.