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poetic license

/poʊˌɛdɪk ˌlaɪsns/
IPA guide

Other forms: poetic licenses

The term poetic license describes the freedom an artist or writer has to change details, distort facts, or ignore the usual rules — especially if the art they produce is better as a result.

When a novelist or a poet twists facts, invents words, or disregards grammar rules because it makes for a more satisfying story or a lovelier poem, they use poetic license. Another example of this is when a cartoonist, using poetic license, draws a version of a real person that doesn't look exactly like them, but exaggerates some physical characteristics. A filmmaker also does this when she changes the facts in a true story to make a more interesting movie.

Definitions of poetic license
  1. noun
    license used by a writer or artist to heighten the effect of their work
    see moresee less
    type of:
    licence, license
    freedom to deviate deliberately from normally applicable rules or practices (especially in behavior or speech)
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