beauty
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbjuː.ti/US/ˈbjuː.ti/
the quality of being pleasing to the senses or to the mind; something that gives great pleasure or satisfaction
Example Sentences
She was admired for her natural beauty and kind nature.
We stopped to appreciate the beauty of the sunset over the horizon.
Many philosophers have debated the true essence of beauty for centuries.
The beauty of the forest in autumn draws tourists from around the world.
A well-written poem can capture the beauty of everyday moments.
Photographers travel far and wide to capture the diverse beauty of our planet.
While everyone’s idea of beauty may differ, it often transcends mere appearance and encompasses qualities of character and spirit as well.
Art galleries display masterpieces that reflect the beauty of human creativity, offering visitors a profound appreciation of both technique and emotional depth.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A quality that pleases the senses or mind, often subjective and profound“Beauty” is a noun that describes appealing qualities in people, nature, objects, or ideas—anything evoking admiration or pleasure. Depending on context, it can refer to physical appearances (such as a person’s grace or a stunning landscape), artistic merits (a painting’s style or a musical composition’s emotion), or deeper concepts of goodness and harmony (like a beautiful solution in mathematics). In everyday usage, you might say, “I was struck by the beauty of the sunset,” emphasizing your personal reaction to nature’s colors. In more formal settings, you could discuss “the beauty of diverse cultural expressions,” highlighting broad appreciation beyond superficial judgments. Because perceptions of beauty vary widely, clarifying the context often strengthens your point. Are you praising someone’s kindness, commending an artwork’s technique, or appreciating a scenic view? Each scenario shifts your focus from purely physical traits to the subtleties of creativity, talent, or moral character. Additionally, note that calling something “beautiful” can carry subjective bias, so be mindful of how and why you attribute that label. Whether you’re marveling at a painting, complimenting someone’s personal style, or discussing broader ideals of aesthetics, “beauty” remains a versatile word tied to personal taste and cultural standards, signaling admiration that goes deeper than plain description.
Alternatives
When you’d like to vary your language while conveying the essence of “beauty,” select words that echo the same idea yet reflect different nuances. If you’re talking about purely visual appeal, “loveliness,” “elegance,” or “radiance” might better capture subtle aspects, such as a gentle grace or a luminous quality. “Allure” or “charm” can spotlight an enticing or magnetic dimension, suggesting a pull that draws attention. If you wish to stress an emotional response, terms like “wonder,” “enchantment,” or “splendor” bring a sense of awe or grandeur. Meanwhile, “aesthetic appeal” and “visual harmony” work well in academic or artistic discussions where a formal tone is desired. For intangible qualities, like the goodness in someone’s character, “inner grace” or “moral excellence” might pinpoint virtues that are praiseworthy beyond outward appearance. Finally, “magnificence” conveys something grand and striking, whereas “prettiness” feels lighter and more casual. By selecting words that align with your context—be it artistry, nature, personal attributes, or spiritual resonance—you’ll enrich your expression and avoid overusing “beauty,” ensuring each reference feels precise and meaningful.
Writing
When writing about “beauty,” context dictates how you present this concept to your reader. In descriptive narratives, you might focus on vivid details, such as the interplay of colors in a sunset or the delicate lines in a sculpture. Enliven your language with sensory words that convey sight, sound, texture, or emotion: “The crimson and gold sky cast a breathtaking glow across the water.” By layering specifics, you immerse the reader in the experience, letting them see, hear, and feel the scene for themselves. In analytical or academic papers, maintain a clearer, more structured tone. You could discuss theories of aesthetics, referencing philosophers or movements that have shaped cultural definitions of beauty. Offer examples or counterexamples—say, comparing minimalist art to ornate baroque painting—to illustrate shifting perceptions across time and place. If a paper requires objectivity, define “beauty” within the bounds of your topic, clarifying whether you mean physical attractiveness, moral virtues, or artistic craftsmanship. By balancing description with concrete references, you show how beauty underpins broader themes. Whether narrative or scholarly, focus on the reader’s perspective, guiding them to visualize or analyze the subject through your carefully chosen words and angles.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, mentioning “beauty” often involves everyday experiences, compliments, or personal reflections. You might remark on a friend’s outfit—“That dress is so beautiful”—to show genuine admiration, or discuss a place you visited—“The scenery was pure beauty.” If you’re sharing opinions on art or performances, you could say, “There’s real beauty in the way they dance,” emphasizing your emotional response. Because beauty is highly personal, these casual exchanges rely on personal taste, cultural background, and the vibe of the moment. When chatting with friends, simply describing something as “beautiful” or “gorgeous” usually suffices for quick praise. Adding a bit of detail—like “The lighting in that photo is stunningly beautiful”—makes your compliment more authentic. There’s also room for humor or playfulness, especially if you’re gently teasing or overstating admiration: “That sandwich was a thing of beauty!” Reflecting on inner qualities—“She’s got such a beautiful spirit”—can bring warmth and depth to casual dialogues. Overall, “beauty” weaves into daily life as a friendly way to express delight, spark curiosity, or build connection, reminding others that you notice and appreciate pleasant or remarkable qualities around you.
Etymology
The term “beauty” comes from the Old French “beaute,” tracing further back to the Latin word “bellus,” which hinted at pleasant or fine qualities. Over centuries, “beaute” merged into Middle English as “bewte” or “beauté,” eventually settling on the modern spelling we know. Early uses applied “beauty” chiefly to physical allure or graceful appearance, closely tied to medieval and Renaissance ideals of elegance. However, as philosophical and artistic discourses evolved, the meaning broadened. Thinkers in the Enlightenment and Romantic eras debated whether beauty was purely subjective—a matter of personal taste—or rooted in universal principles like symmetry and harmony. Today, the word stretches from describing everyday objects to more abstract, intangible attributes, encompassing artistry, character, and moral goodness. The enduring fascination with “beauty” reflects its power to unite perception, emotion, and culture, making it a cornerstone of human experience. Whether praising a pristine landscape or lauding a kind deed, “beauty” remains a heartfelt and multifaceted part of language, bridging the aesthetic, the emotional, and the philosophical.
