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beautiful
/ˈbjuːtɪfəl/
pleasing to the senses or mind
The sunset over the ocean was absolutely beautiful.
The sunset was extremely pleasing to the eyes.
general
pleasing to the senses or mind, especially to sight
She wore a beautiful dress to the party.
Her dress was visually pleasing.
The garden was filled with beautiful flowers.
The flowers were visually attractive.
Often used to describe people, places, objects, or experiences that evoke admiration or joy.
literary
excellent or wonderful in a moral or emotional sense
Her beautiful act of kindness touched everyone.
Her kind action was morally admirable.
Used to describe actions, qualities, or emotions that are noble or inspiring.
Collocations
beautiful daya day that is pleasant and visually pleasingbeautiful smilea smile that is visually attractive or emotionally warmbeautiful scenerynature or views that are visually stunningbeautiful voicea voice that is pleasing to hear
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'beautiful' for everything
While 'beautiful' is versatile, using it for minor things (e.g., 'a beautiful cup of coffee') can sound unnatural. Reserve it for truly striking or emotionally moving things.
Gold Rule
Adjective agreement
In English, adjectives like 'beautiful' do not change form based on gender or number (e.g., 'a beautiful woman' / 'beautiful women').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'beauteous' (meaning 'full of beauty'), derived from Old French 'bealte' (beauty) and ultimately from Latin 'bellus' (pretty, fine). The '-ful' suffix means 'full of'.
Usage Notes
Used to describe both physical appearance and abstract qualities like emotions or experiences. Often subjective—what one person finds beautiful, another may not. Common in poetry, art, and romantic contexts.
Word Breakdown
beauty
quality of being pleasing to the senses
root-ful
full of
suffixEnglish Dictionary