beautiful
Adjective
UK/ˈbjuː.tɪ.fəl/US/ˈbjuː.t̬ə.fəl/
Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically; possessing qualities that delight or charm.
Example Sentences
She has a beautiful singing voice, one that captivates everyone in the room whenever she performs.
The snow-capped mountains offered a truly beautiful view at sunrise.
His mother’s gentle spirit and loving nature made her the most beautiful person he had ever known.
Art critics praised the painting as an exceptionally beautiful piece, illustrating the painter’s mastery of color and texture.
They filled their home with beautiful plants that brought nature indoors, adding both vibrancy and fresh air to the living space.
The garden was in full bloom, revealing an array of beautiful flowers that brightened up the entire neighborhood with their vivid hues and sweet fragrances.
In her speech, she spoke of the beautiful future she believed was possible, a vision of harmony, progress, and mutual understanding for all.
Even small acts of kindness can create beautiful moments, forging connections that touch the heart and remind us of our shared humanity.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An adjective describing something that is especially pleasing or attractive.“Beautiful” is most commonly an adjective used to express that someone or something is visually appealing or emotionally resonant. In everyday situations, you might refer to a “beautiful painting,” “a beautiful sunset,” or “beautiful music,” meaning each has qualities that please the senses or stir positive emotions. While it often focuses on appearance, “beautiful” can also describe aspects like nature’s grandeur, moving performances, or acts of kindness that uplift your spirit. When describing a person, “beautiful” can mean physical attractiveness, but it can also convey inner qualities—like kindness or grace—that leave a positive impression. Its flexibility spans casual compliments (“Your dress is beautiful!”) to deeper expressions of admiration (“She has a beautiful soul.”). Using “beautiful” in conversation or writing highlights not just superficial appeal, but also the profound impact that sight, sound, or action can have on our sense of wonder and happiness.
Alternatives
Depending on the nuance you wish to convey, there are a number of alternatives for “beautiful.” “Gorgeous” and “stunning” often emphasize a more dramatic or breathtaking appeal, while “lovely” or “charming” can suggest warmth and a gentle attractiveness. “Attractive” or “pleasing” are slightly broader, encompassing more neutral or everyday contexts. “Alluring,” “enchanting,” and “exquisite” lean toward a more refined or poetic feel. If you’re describing kindness or character rather than just looks, words like “gracious,” “radiant,” or “admirable” can capture an internal, intangible beauty. The choice depends on tone, context, and which aspect of beauty—visual, emotional, or otherwise—you want to underscore. Whether in praise of a scenic landscape or someone’s character, varying these synonyms can help you precisely convey the depth or style of appreciation you feel.
Writing
When writing with the word “beautiful,” consider the specific effect you aim to evoke. If you’re describing a scene, detail the aspects that make it beautiful—colors, shapes, the emotional response it inspires. Instead of just saying “It was a beautiful sunset,” you might write, “The sky glowed with pink and gold hues, the sunlight shimmering off the clouds, creating a moment of breathtaking stillness.” In literary or creative prose, lean on sensory language to draw readers in, helping them feel the same awe or admiration you’re conveying. In more technical or analytical texts—like art critiques or descriptive essays—“beautiful” can be supported by reasons why something appeals: composition, harmony, or emotional resonance. For personal writing, “beautiful” might reflect subjective taste; you could clarify your personal bias or sentimental connection (“To me, this old family heirloom is beautiful because it holds so many memories”). Ultimately, blending the word “beautiful” with vivid, concrete details guides readers toward sharing your appreciation of whatever you find exceptional, lovely, or moving.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “beautiful” is a go-to compliment or expression of delight. You might say, “This restaurant has a beautiful view,” or “Your haircut looks beautiful!” to communicate simple admiration. Friends might talk about beautiful experiences—“That concert was beautiful; I got chills during the encore!” or “We had a beautiful day at the beach.” Using “beautiful” casually conveys genuine positivity without diving into complex analysis. It can be a direct, friendly way to show appreciation, whether you’re reacting to a newly remodeled room, an impressive social media post, or a kind gesture. Sometimes the term surfaces in quick exclamations: “Beautiful!” when something works out smoothly or appears exactly as you hoped. If you want to switch things up, synonyms like “lovely,” “awesome,” or “amazing” fit everyday chats without straying from a laid-back tone. Still, “beautiful” remains a straightforward, heartwarming way to express approval or admiration in casual contexts.
Etymology
The word “beautiful” traces back to Middle English, combining “beauty” (from Old French “beaute,” based on Latin “bellus,” meaning “handsome, pretty”) with the suffix “-ful,” denoting “full of” or “characterized by.” Early usage centered on visual appeal, with an emphasis on grace or elegance, but over time it expanded to capture broader forms of attractiveness, charm, or even moral goodness. In literature and speech, “beautiful” increasingly transcended mere physical appearance, reflecting deeper concepts of emotional or spiritual radiance. From Victorian romantic poetry to modern everyday compliments, its core meaning retains the notion of something that pleases the senses or stirs the heart. Whether describing a person, object, or experience, the term signals an affirmative, often uplifting, recognition of worth, appeal, or inspiration across centuries of English evolution.