fantastic

Main Entry:: ¹fan·tas·tic
Pronunciation:: \fan-ˈtas-tik, fən-\
Variant(s):: also fan·tas·ti·cal \-ti-kəl\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English fantastic, fantastical, from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French fantastique, from Late Latin phantasticus, from Greek phantastikos producing mental images, from phantazein to present to the mind — more at fancy
Date:: 14th century

1 a: based on fantasy : not real b: conceived or seemingly conceived by unrestrained fancy c: so extreme as to challenge belief : unbelievable ; broadly : exceedingly large or great2: marked by extravagant fantasy or extreme individuality : eccentric3fantastic : excellent , superlative <a fantastic meal>

— fan·tas·ti·cal·i·ty

\(ˌ)fan-ˌtas-tə-ˈka-lə-tē, fən-\ noun

— fan·tas·ti·cal·ness

\-ˈtas-tə-kəl-nəs\ noun

synonyms fantastic , bizarre , grotesque mean conceived, made, or carried out without adherence to truth or reality. fantastic may connote unrestrained extravagance in conception or merely ingenuity of decorative invention <dreamed up fantastic rumors to spread>. bizarre applies to the sensationally queer or strange and implies violence of contrast or incongruity of combination <a bizarre medieval castle built in the heart of a modern city>. grotesque may apply to what is conventionally ugly but artistically effective or it may connote ludicrous awkwardness or incongruity often with sinister or tragic overtones <grotesque statues adorn the cathedral> <though grief-stricken, she made a grotesque attempt at a smile>.

synonyms see in addition imaginary

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