esque

Esque is a suffix used in English to form adjectives meaning “in the style of” or “resembling.” It is typically attached to a noun or a base adjective to convey a stylized or characteristic likeness, rather than a literal imitation. Common examples include picturesque, grotesque, Romanesque, arabesque, statuesque, and Kafkaesque. The sense can range from neutral description to a judgment about an artistic or stylistic quality.

Etymology and form: The suffix -esque comes from Old French esque, from Latin -iscus, and entered English through French. In modern English it is usually written as a separate suffix, not hyphenated, and attached to the base word to produce an adjective. When the base is a proper noun, especially in cultural or literary references, the resulting form is often capitalized (for example, Kafkaesque).

Usage and nuance: -esque emphasizes a recognizable stylistic resemblance associated with a person, period, or work, rather than a literal copy. It frequently carries literary or critical connotations, signaling that something evokes a particular mood, genre, or artist’s approach. The relation is typically broader and more interpretive than the more direct “-like” or “-oid” constructions.

Capitalization and style: Most -esque adjectives are lowercase in ordinary use, but those derived from proper names—such as Kafkaesque—are usually capitalized. The term is common in literary criticism, art discourse, and descriptive writing, but can feel pretentious if overused.

See also: -like suffixes, -oid suffixes, literary adjectives, stylistic criticism.