Gorgeous Meaning and Definition
Gorgeous
Pronunciation
/ˈɡɔːrɪdʒs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A gorgeous thing, person, or place is exceptionally beautiful, attractive, or impressive.
Examples
1. “The sunset was gorgeous, with hues of pink and orange across the sky.”
2. “She looked gorgeous in her red evening gown.”
Synonyms
1. stunning
2. beautiful
3. attractive
Antonyms
1. ugly
2. unattractive
Additional Information
Gorgeous things often evoke strong emotions, such as awe, admiration, or desire. The term can be used to describe a wide range of things, from natural landscapes and works of art to people and buildings. In language, gorgeous is often used to create vivid and evocative descriptions, drawing the listener’s or reader’s attention to the subject being described.
Gorgeous is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in written language, such as in articles, stories, and poetry. When used effectively, gorgeous can add a rich and nuanced meaning to text, painting a picture in the reader’s mind.
The word gorgeous has a long history, dating back to the 17th century, when it was used to describe something that is elegant, refined, or beautiful. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include a wider range of connotations, encompassing not only physical beauty but also qualities such as charm, allure, and impressiveness.
Phonetically, the word gorgeous is pronounced as /ɔːrɪdʒs/, with a stress on the second syllable. It is a monosyllabic word in most dialects of English, although some speakers may pronounce it as /ˈɡɔːrɪdʒ/ or /ˈɡɔːrɪɡ/.
Gorgeous is a modal word that can be combined with other adjectives to create compound adjectives, such as “gorgeously ugly,” “gorgeously dark,” or “gorgeously fierce.”
Etymology
The word gorgeous has its roots in the 17th-century English word “gorgeous,” which referred to something elegant, refined, or beautiful. The word is derived from the Old French word “gorge,” meaning “throat” or “neck,” and the suffix “-ous,” which indicates a state or quality.
Over time, the meaning of gorgeous expanded to include a wider range of connotations, encompassing not only physical beauty but also qualities such as charm, allure, and impressiveness.
Usage Notes
Gorgeous can be used in a variety of contexts, from admiring a beautiful sunset to describing a stunning work of art. However, it is often most effective when used to describe something that is unexpected or extraordinary.
When using gorgeous, consider the context and the audience. In formal writing, it may be more effective to use more formal language, such as “stunning” or “beautiful.” In informal writing, gorgeous can be used to create a more conversational tone.
Cultural References
Gorgeous has been used in a variety of cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the character of Ginny Weasley is described as “gorgeous” in the book “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”
In music, the word gorgeous has been used in song titles and lyrics, such as in the song “Gorgeous” by Taylor Swift.
Idiomatic Expressions
Gorgeous is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as “gorgeous girl” or “gorgeous sunset.” These expressions are used to create vivid and evocative descriptions, drawing the listener’s or reader’s attention to the subject being described.
Collocations
Gorgeous is often used in combination with nouns like girl, woman, man, and landscape. Some common collocations include “gorgeous landscape,” “gorgeous sunset,” and “gorgeous girl.”
Frequency of Use
Gorgeous is a moderately common word in modern language, with a frequency of around 2% in spoken and written English.
In formal writing, gorgeous may be used less frequently, around 0.5%, due to the preference for more formal language.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of gorgeous include “gorgeouse” and “goreouse.”
Other variations include “gorgeuus” and “gorgeus.”