adj.
Pronunciation: ' byü-ti-f ə l
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : having qualities of beauty : exciting aesthetic pleasure
2 : generally pleasing : EXCELLENT
– beau · ti · ful · ly \ -f( ə -)l ē \ adverb
– beau · ti · ful · ness \ -f ə l-n ə s \ noun
synonyms BEAUTIFUL , LOVELY , HANDSOME , PRETTY , COMELY , FAIR mean exciting sensuous or aesthetic pleasure. BEAUTIFUL applies to whatever excites the keenest of pleasure to the senses and stirs emotion through the senses < beautiful mountain scenery>. LOVELY is close to BEAUTIFUL but applies to a narrower range of emotional excitation in suggesting the graceful, delicate, or exquisite <a lovely melody>. HANDSOME suggests aesthetic pleasure due to proportion, symmetry, or elegance <a handsome Georgian mansion>. PRETTY often applies to superficial or insubstantial attractiveness <a painter of conventionally pretty scenes>. COMELY is like HANDSOME in suggesting what is coolly approved rather than emotionally responded to <the comely grace of a dancer>. FAIR suggests beauty because of purity, flawlessness, or freshness < fair of face>.