Landscape Meaning
Landscape Definition & Usage
The visible features of an area of land, often regarded in terms of their aesthetic appeal.
Examples
- "The landscape of the Rocky Mountains is breathtaking."
- "After the rain, the landscape appeared lush and green."
- "Artists often draw inspiration from the changing landscape of the countryside."
- "The flat landscape of the Midwest provides a stark contrast to the rugged terrain of the West."
- "They took a drive through the picturesque landscape of Tuscany."
An artwork that depicts scenes of natural scenery.
Examples
- "The gallery displayed a stunning landscape of the fjords."
- "In his latest landscape, the use of color captures the essence of spring."
- "She specializes in landscape paintings and has exhibited her work in several shows."
- "Many famous landscape artists have captured the shifting seasons in their canvases."
- "The landscape in the painting transports the viewer to another world."
The overall context or environment in which a situation occurs, especially in reference to socio-political settings.
Examples
- "The political landscape has changed dramatically in the past decade."
- "We need to analyze the current job landscape before making career decisions."
- "The healthcare landscape is evolving rapidly due to technological advancements."
- "Understanding the social landscape will help us better address community needs."
- "The environmental landscape shifted significantly following the new policies."
Cultural Context
The term 'landscape' originates from the Dutch word 'landschap'. It was initially used to describe an artist's depiction of a natural scene in paintings before broadening into common language to represent both physical landscapes and metaphorical interpretations.
A Shift in the Landscape
Story
A Shift in the Landscape
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the tranquil landscape. Emma stood by her window, admiring the rolling hills painted in vibrant hues of orange and purple. It reminded her of the landscape she used to paint in her art classes—such calmness was rare in her bustling city life. She often longed for that serene scene captured in a landscape painting that now hung in her living room, bringing a bit of the countryside indoors. But today was different. As Emma prepared for the neighborhood meeting, she couldn’t shake off a sense of urgency. The social landscape around her had shifted dramatically in recent months. With new developments proposed by the city council, the quiet area she loved was at risk of becoming a busy hub of activity. Her friend, Jake, arrived with a concerned look on his face. "Have you seen the plans? They're going to bulldoze half the park!" Emma shook her head, feeling a pang of grief. The park wasn't just part of the physical landscape; it was a haven for families, joggers, and artists like herself. At the meeting, the community gathered in the cramped town hall. The tension in the room was palpable as residents voiced their concerns. "The local landscape is changing, but we can’t let it lose its charm!" Emma argued passionately, recalling the lush greenery and the vibrant flowers that decorated the park every spring. Jake chimed in, "It’s more than just trees! It’s about preserving our community’s soul." As the night wore on, Emma realized the discussion wasn’t just about saved trees or park benches, it was about the type of landscape they wanted to live in—a space that reflected their values and memories. Together, they drafted plans to propose an alternative solution that would protect their beloved park while still accommodating new housing. After weeks of advocacy, the city agreed, and as Emma walked through the now safeguarded landscape, she breathed a sigh of relief. The flowers were blooming, the trees stood tall, and for the first time in months, she felt the harmony of her surroundings—both natural and social—reflecting the community's resilience.
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