Reading Theme:
Beauty Definition: Physical Attractiveness and Moral Excellence (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：physical attractiveness (beauty)
beauty
/ˈbjuːti/
n.
The quality of a person or thing that makes it very pleasing to look at.
physical attractiveness
➕
/ˈfɪzɪkəl əˈtræktɪvnəs/
n.
The quality of being pleasing to the eye, especially in appearance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'bellus' (pretty, fine) via Old French 'bealte', entering English in the 13th century.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'B' as 'beautiful' and 'uty' as 'duty'—it's our duty to appreciate beauty everywhere.
📖 Example
The fashion designer was praised for his ability to capture the timeless beauty of his models in his photographs.
The fashion designer was praised for his ability to capture the timeless physical attractiveness of his models in his photographs.
🔗 Collocations
natural beauty – Inherent attractiveness not enhanced by artificial means
beauty contest – Competition where contestants are judged on physical appearance
beauty salon – Establishment providing cosmetic treatments
🔄 Synonyms
loveliness (n.) – Quality of being very attractive and pleasing
prettiness (n.) – Delicate or graceful attractiveness
attractiveness (n.) – Quality of drawing interest or admiration
🚫 Antonyms
ugliness (n.) – Extreme unpleasantness in appearance
hideousness (n.) – Repulsively ugly quality
unsightliness (n.) – Unpleasant or offensive to look at
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'bellus', the word evolved through Old French 'bealte' into Middle English 'beauté'. It became central to Western aesthetics and is widely used in art, fashion, and philosophy.
Meaning 2：moral excellence (beauty)
beauty
/ˈbjuːti/
n.
A wonderful quality or feature that makes something excellent or admirable, especially in actions or character.
moral excellence
➕
/ˈmɔːrəl ˈɛksələns/
n.
A quality that brings deep satisfaction or admiration due to its moral goodness or excellence.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The teacher explained that the true beauty of the story lies in its message of kindness and forgiveness.
The teacher explained that the true moral excellence of the story lies in its message of kindness and forgiveness.
🔗 Collocations
inner beauty – Moral or spiritual attractiveness that is not visible
beauty of the soul – Qualities like kindness and compassion that make a person admirable
true beauty – The genuine and lasting quality of goodness, not superficial appearance
🔄 Synonyms
goodness (n.) – The quality of being morally good or virtuous
virtue (n.) – Behavior showing high moral standards
excellence (n.) – The quality of being outstanding or extremely good
🚫 Antonyms
evil (n.) – Profound immorality and wickedness
corruption (n.) – Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power
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