visual

/ˈvɪʒuəl/

adjective

  1. relating to seeing or to the things you see

    B1

    usually before noun

    • "The film has beautiful visual effects."A2
    • "The test checks your visual memory."B1
    • "Visual information is easier to remember for many people."B1
    • "The artist’s visual language draws on both memory and dream imagery."C1

  2. using pictures, diagrams, or images to communicate something

    B2

    usually before noun

    • "The teacher used visual aids to explain the lesson."B1
    • "Her presentation was highly visual, with almost no text."B2
    • "The report offers a visual summary of the data."C1

noun

  1. a picture, diagram, or other image used to explain, communicate, or decorate something; often used in the plural

    B2

    countable

    • "Use a visual to make the point clearer."B1
    • "The presentation needs a few more visuals."B1
    • "The documentary combines archival footage with striking visuals."B2

Common mistakes

  • The mountain was visual from our hotel.→The mountain was visible from our hotel.

    Use visible for something that can be seen; use visual for something relating to seeing or to images.

Collocations

visual artsvisual aidvisual effectvisual impairmentvisual learnervisual memoryvisual imagevisual presentation

Word family

visuallyvisualizevisualization