Beautiful
Pronunciation
/ˈbjuːtɪfəl/
Definitions
- Having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to the senses, especially the sight.
- Possessing beauty; attractive, lovely.
- Morally good or worthy; admirable.
Usage Examples
- "She wore a beautiful dress to the party."
- "The landscape was absolutely beautiful, with mountains and rivers stretching as far as the eye could see."
- "His beautiful spirit was admired by everyone who knew him."
Etymology
The word "beautiful" originates from Middle English, derived from Old French "beau" (meaning "handsome" or "beautiful") and the suffix "-ful" from Old English "-ful" (meaning "full of"). The word evolved to refer to anything that possesses beauty or something aesthetically pleasing.
Synonyms
- Attractive
- Pretty
- Lovely
- Exquisite
- Charming
- Radiant
Antonyms
- Ugly
- Unattractive
- Plain
- Unpleasant
- Repulsive
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Spanish | Hermoso | /ɛrˈmo.so/ |
| French | Beau / Belle | /bo/ |
| German | Schön | /ʃøːn/ |
| Italian | Bello / Bella | /ˈbɛl.lo/ |
| Portuguese | Bonito / Bonita | /boˈni.tu/ |
| Russian | Красивый (Krasivyy) | /krɐˈsʲivɨj/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 美丽 (Měilì) | /ˈmeɪˈliː/ |
| Japanese | 美しい (Utsukushii) | /utsukuˈɕii/ |
| Korean | 아름다운 (Areumdaun) | /aɾəmdau̯n/ |
| Arabic | جميل (Jameel) | /ʒɑːˈmiːl/ |
| Hindi | सुंदर (Sundar) | /ˈsʊn.dɑːɾ/ |
| Bengali | সুন্দর (Shundor) | /ˈʃundɔr/ |
| Telugu | ఆకర్షకమైన (Aakarshakamina) | /aːkərʂəkəˈmɑːɳə/ |
| Tamil | அழகான (Azhagaan) | /ʌʐʌɡaːn/ |
| Malayalam | സുന്ദരമായ (Sundaramaya) | /ˈsuːndərəˌmɑːjə/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In various English-speaking regions, the pronunciation of "beautiful" remains fairly consistent, though accent differences may result in slight variations. For example, in some British dialects, the 't' in "beautiful" may be pronounced more sharply than in American English, where it can sound more like a 'd'.
Historical Usage
The word "beautiful" has been in use since the 14th century, first appearing in the Middle English period. It was primarily used to describe outward appearances, particularly of people and objects. Over time, the concept expanded to include moral beauty, expressing not only physical attributes but also one's inner qualities and virtues.
Cultural Nuances
Beauty is perceived differently across cultures, and the word "beautiful" can carry diverse meanings in different societies. In Western cultures, beauty is often associated with youth, symmetry, and proportions, while other cultures may emphasize spiritual or intellectual beauty. The concept of beauty, especially in the context of human beauty, has often been tied to standards set by art, media, and societal norms.
More Information
The word "beautiful" not only refers to aesthetic appeal but also extends to describing qualities or characteristics that are pleasing, admirable, or inspiring. In literature, "beautiful" is often used to convey the majesty of nature, the allure of individuals, or the greatness of works of art. In contemporary culture, beauty ideals continue to evolve, with growing recognition that beauty is subjective and should not be confined to a narrow set of standards.