poetical

Poetical is an English adjective that describes something related to poetry or possessing characteristics typical of poetry. It can refer to language, imagery, form, or emotional effect that resembles poetry. In contemporary usage, poetical is less common than poetic and is often found in more formal, archaic, or scholarly contexts, as well as in fixed phrases such as poetical diction or poetical justice.

Etymology traces poetical to Old French poétique and Latin poeticus, from Greek poiētikos meaning “pertaining to making” or “poetry.” The word evolved in English with the -al suffix to form an attributive or predicative descriptor.

Usage and distinction: poetic is the dominant modern form, applied broadly to language, literature, and aesthetic experience. Poetical tends to carry a more archaic or elevated feel and is frequently used when describing specific stylistic features, such as poetical diction, poetical imagery, or poetical rhythm. The choice between poetical and poetic can signal tone or period; poetical often appears in discussions of older texts or formal criticism.

Collocations and senses: common uses include poetical imagery, poetical cadence, or poetical justice—where the term highlights a quality associated with poetry rather than everyday prose. Some phrases, like poetical license, are less standard than the more common poetic license, though both may be encountered in literature.

See also: Poetry, Poetic, Poetics.