Beauty Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbjʊti/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A quality present in a person, place, or thing that gives great pleasure or satisfaction to behold, often characterized by qualities such as harmony, proportion, and elegance.

Examples

• The beauty of the sunset on the beach took her breath away.
• She was known for her inner beauty and kindness.

Synonyms

• Attractiveness
• Loveliness

Antonyms

• Ugliness
• Unattractiveness

Additional Information

Beauty can be perceived differently by individuals, cultures, and societies, and can be found in various forms, such as physical appearance, art, literature, music, and nature. It is often associated with qualities such as harmony, balance, and proportion.

In modern times, the concept of beauty has evolved to include inner qualities, such as kindness, empathy, and compassion, which are considered essential for a person’s overall beauty.

The pursuit of beauty has led to the development of various industries, including fashion, cosmetics, and plastic surgery, which aim to enhance or alter one’s physical appearance.

Etymology

The word “beauty” originates from the Old French “beauté,” derived from the Latin “bellitudo,” which means “state of being pleasing” or “loveliness.”

Usage Notes

Be careful when using the word “beauty” to avoid objectifying or reducing individuals to their physical appearance. Instead, emphasize their inner qualities and characteristics that make them beautiful.

Cultural References

The concept of beauty has been explored in various works of literature, art, and film, such as Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” and Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
• Beauty sleep.

Related Words or Phrases

• Attractive
• Pretty
• Aesthetic

Collocations

• Inner beauty
• Physical beauty
• Natural beauty

Frequency of Use

The word “beauty” is commonly used in everyday conversation, literature, and the media, with a frequency of approximately 2.5 per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Beautie
• Beuty