Artistic/poetic licence
noun
The freedom that artists or writers have to change facts or to do things which are not usually acceptable in order to create art or literature.
The movie takes a few liberties with historical facts, but it is a work of fiction, and the director can be allowed some artistic licence.
Often appears as...
- take artistic licence
- allow some artistic licence
Usage tips
Literary
noun
The liberty taken by the writer or artist in deviating from conventional form or fact to achieve a desired effect.
With poetic licence, the poet spun a beautiful, albeit unrealistic, depiction of the countryside.
Often appears as...
- deploy poetic licence
- rely on poetic licence
Usage tips
Poetic
noun
The freedom that artists or writers have to change facts or to do things which are not usually acceptable in order to create art or literature.
The movie takes a few liberties with historical facts, but it is a work of fiction, and the director can be allowed some artistic licence.
Often appears as...
- take artistic licence
- allow some artistic licence
Usage tips
Literary
noun
The liberty taken by the writer or artist in deviating from conventional form or fact to achieve a desired effect.
With poetic licence, the poet spun a beautiful, albeit unrealistic, depiction of the countryside.
Often appears as...
- deploy poetic licence
- rely on poetic licence
Usage tips
Poetic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Fictional Truth
Use it when factual accuracy is less important than storytelling.
Although not historically accurate, the film's artistic licence made for a thrilling plot.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Exaggeration
It's okay to exaggerate details to enhance the art's impact.
The artist's use of artistic licence amplified the painting's emotional expression.
Pro Tip 3/3Inventive Imagery
Visual works may alter reality for visual appeal or thematic reasons.
She took artistic licence in her photography to emphasize the surreal aspect of the scene.
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