Gothic architecture
1
6.8
- noun
- /ˈɡɑːθɪk ˌɑːrkɪˈtɛkʧər/
:
arquitectura gótica
- The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, featuring stunning pointed arches and intricate stained glass.
- medieval Gothic architecture
But some of the things we touch on are surrealism and da da and Gothic architecture and plenty of other things beside.
- But some of the things we touch on are surrealism and da da and Gothic architecture and plenty of other things beside.
Examples
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Essential to the Romantic discourse on the imagination, the sublime, and organic nature was a positive affirmation of Gothic architecture as German architecture; or, as it became commonly described, deutsche Baukunst.
Academic text (1992) -
As we slogged through soapy gray slush behind Alexander Hall at Princeton, she interrupted her sermon about the majesty of collegiate Gothic architecture.
Fiction book (1999) -
The market's gothic architecture was designed to mimic that of London.
Blog text (8) -
" Louvain's peerless Gothic architecture, its unique art treasures, and its remarkable library were utterly destroyed.
Academic text (2003) -
The image of a greyhound reclining at the feet of a nobleman's effigy is a well-known feature of Gothic architecture.
Academic text (1996) -
One architectural dictionary, for example, defines Gothic architecture as "the architecture of the pointed arch, the rib vault, the flying buttress." (n73)
Academic text (1998) -
Three vertical structures are placed in a half-circle, their form vaguely reminiscent of Gothic architecture, thereby imbuing the work with an enshrined, sacred quality.
Academic text (2004) -
Many tourists visit Cologne Cathedral to admire its breathtaking Gothic architecture, known for its flying buttresses and grand spires.
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The Gothic architecture of Chartres Cathedral is remarkable for its ribbed vaults and beautifully detailed sculptures.
Synonyms
1
8.0
A style of church and cathedral building from medieval Europe with pointed arches
How Gothic
1
6.8
- Specialized
1
9.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase directly combines 'Gothic' (a named style) with 'architecture' (building design), so its meaning as the Gothic style of building is compositional and literal. This construction is cross-linguistically common and follows simple noun-noun modification, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Gothic architecture was a name given later by people who thought the tall churches from the 'Middle Ages' with sharp, pointed arches looked rough and like the work of the old 'Goths' or 'barbarians'. Because of that name, Gothic architecture came to mean the style with pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, which is the meaning we use today.