poetics

UK: pəʊˈɛtɪks | US: poʊˈɛtɪks

Definition
  1. n. the art or theory of composing poetry

  2. n. the study of poetic structure, form, and effects

  3. n. (archaic) poetic style or expression

Structure
poet <maker, creator (from Greek *poiētēs*)>ics <study or science of (noun suffix from Greek *-ika*)>
Etymology

The word "poetics" traces back to Greek poiētikē (τέχνη), meaning "the art of poetry." The root poet- derives from poiein ("to make, create"), reflecting poetry's role as crafted language. The suffix -ics (from Greek -ika) denotes a field of study, akin to "physics" or "mathematics." Thus, "poetics" literally means "the science of poetic creation," evolving to encompass both theory and analysis of poetry.

Examples
  1. Aristotle's Poetics remains a foundational text in literary criticism.

  2. Modern poetics often explores the relationship between form and meaning.

  3. Her work blends traditional poetics with experimental techniques.

  4. The professor specializes in comparative poetics across cultures.

  5. The poet’s unique poetics challenge conventional narrative structures.