baroque

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the historic period from about 1600 until 1750 when the baroque style of art, architecture, and music flourished in Europe
  2. noun elaborate and extensive ornamentation in decorative art and architecture that flourished in Europe in the 17th century
  3. adjective having elaborate symmetrical ornamentation; -William Dean Howells

Etymology

Via French baroque (which originally meant a pearl of irregular shape), from Portuguese barroco (“irregular pearl”); related to Spanish barrueco and Italian barocco, of uncertain ultimate origin, but possibly from Latin verrūca (“wart”). It has been suggested that the term derives from Baroco, a technical term from scholastic logic.

In classic literature

Synonyms

Baroque era, Baroque period

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