Mix it up – Different ways to say “beautiful”

When we learn a new language it’s very common to overuse a word. You may have learned the word “fantastic” and then you can’t get out of the habit of saying it over and over again, even if it doesn’t always fit the purpose. In this case, synonyms are your friend.

A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language. It might be a beautiful person, landscape or book, but if you use the same word to describe them all, it will start to lose its meaning. So, we’ve compiled a list of synonyms for the word beautiful.

Pretty

Generally this is used for a girl or a young woman, but it can be used to describe inanimate objects. It means you are attractive in a delicate way, you might not be beautiful, just yet.

“What a pretty pony,” squealed the little boy.

Handsome

Handsome is usually used when referring to men, but also things of substance.

“That’s a handsome pile of money. Does it belong to your handsome friend?”

Ravishing – Ravishing is a very high compliment of beauty that is usually reserved for Marilyn Monroe look-alikes. It comes from the word ravish, which means to carry off, as in to carry off a ravishing lady. Ahem.

“You looked absolutely ravishing in that red dress.”

Stunning

Stunning is the kind of beauty that knocks you off your feet. You might be walking along Henry Street, minding your own business, when BAM!!!! You see the man of your dreams and he is stunning you like a bright light on top of a christmas tree.

Sarah knew she was going to win America’s Next Top Model. She was stunning and far more beautiful than any of the other girls, she thought to herself.

Heavenly

If you describe someone or something as heavenly, you mean that something is so beautiful it belongs in heaven.

“Angelina Jolie is heavenly and so is her husband.”

Spot the Idiom

Knock someone off their feet – To cause someone great pleasure or surprise.