beau
C1Formal, literary, historical, sometimes humorous or ironic.
Definition
Meaning
A boyfriend or male admirer; a dandy or fashionable man.
A man who is particularly attentive to his appearance and style; a suitor or escort, especially in a historical or literary context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is now somewhat old-fashioned and often used with a touch of irony, humor, or in period contexts. It can imply a man who is vain about his appearance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in American English, especially in the phrase 'beau geste' (a noble gesture). In British English, it is perceived as very old-fashioned or literary.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of old-fashioned romance or affectation. In American English, it can be used more straightforwardly in historical contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in American English due to its use in set phrases and historical fiction.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[possessive] + beau (e.g., her beau)beau + of + [place/era] (e.g., a beau of the Regency period)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “beau geste (a noble and generous act)”
- “beau ideal (the perfect model or type)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or gender studies contexts.
Everyday
Rare; if used, it is often humorous or ironic.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She arrived at the party with her new beau.
- In the old film, the heroine had many beaux.
- Her wealthy beau from the city sent her flowers every week.
- He played the part of a Regency beau, complete with a powdered wig.
- Despite his advanced years, he remained a fastidious beau, never seen without his silk cravat.
- The novel's protagonist is a cynical beau who ultimately finds true love.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BEAU-tiful. A 'beau' is often a man trying to look beautiful or handsome.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MAN IS AN ORNAMENT (focus on appearance and style).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'бо' (bo) which is a conjunction.
- The closest common equivalent is 'кавалер' or 'ухажёр', but both have specific cultural connotations that don't map perfectly.
- Avoid translating it as 'красавец' (handsome man) as 'beau' focuses more on the role of admirer/suitor than just looks.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as /bjuː/ (like 'beauty').
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where 'boyfriend' is appropriate.
- Spelling it as 'bow'.
Practice
Quiz
In which phrase would 'beau' most naturally be used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered old-fashioned, literary, or humorous. In modern contexts, 'boyfriend' or 'partner' is standard.
No, 'beau' is exclusively masculine. The feminine equivalent is 'belle'.
The standard plural is 'beaux' (pronounced the same as the singular, /bəʊ/ or /boʊ/), following its French origin. 'Beaus' is also accepted but less common.
A 'beau' is a suitor or admirer, with no formal commitment. A 'fiancé' is a man engaged to be married.
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