beautiful
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /bjˈuːtɪfəl/
US
- /ˈbjutəfəl/
Description
- pleasing to look at
- lovely
- attractive
- aesthetically pleasing
- delightful
"Beautiful" isn't just about pretty faces or stunning landscapes—though it certainly applies there! It describes anything that gives you a sense of pleasure and delight when you experience it. A beautiful song can stir your soul, a beautiful act of kindness can warm your heart, and a beautiful sunset can take your breath away.
Think of the word as an invitation to appreciate something deeply. You might describe a painting as "beautiful" because of its colors and composition, or a person as "beautiful" because of their inner qualities and outer appearance. Sometimes, beauty is found in unexpected places—like the beautiful resilience of a tree weathering a storm. It's subjective; what one person finds beautiful, another might not!
The word "beautiful" describes something that evokes a sense of pleasure, admiration, or aesthetic satisfaction. While often associated with physical appearance—a "beautiful flower" or a "beautiful face"—beauty extends far beyond the visual realm. It's a deeply subjective quality, meaning what one person finds beautiful can differ greatly from another's perception.
Historically, beauty has been tied to ideals of symmetry and harmony, but modern understanding recognizes that beauty exists in imperfection, uniqueness, and even melancholy. A "beautiful story" might be heartbreaking yet profoundly moving. A "beautiful mind" suggests intelligence, depth, and creativity.
"Beautiful" can also describe experiences or qualities beyond aesthetics. We speak of a "beautiful friendship" built on trust and loyalty, or a "beautiful gesture" demonstrating generosity and compassion. The word carries an emotional weight, suggesting something special and cherished.
Consider the phrase "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." This highlights that beauty isn't inherent in an object itself, but rather created by the observer's perception and appreciation. It's a powerful word capable of capturing not just what looks good, but also what feels good—inspiring awe, joy, or even a quiet sense of peace. So whether it's a breathtaking vista, a touching moment, or an admirable character trait, "beautiful" is a celebration of all things pleasing and enriching in life.
Examples
- 1
Clothing
She looked beautiful in her new dress.
- 2
Travel
We stayed in a small house near a beautiful beach.
- 3
Weather
It's such a beautiful day that nobody wants to stay inside.
- 4
Scenery
The room was simple, but it had a beautiful view of the mountains.
- 5
Singing voice
He has a beautiful voice, so people always ask him to sing.
- 6
Music
They ended the film with a beautiful piece of music.
- 7
Wedding plan
That sounds like a beautiful idea for a wedding.
- 8
Emotional reaction
When he heard the children singing together, he whispered, “That’s beautiful.”
Usage
That’s beautiful.
a warm way to say something feels touching or meaningful
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- beautifuladjective