beau monde: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low Frequency)Formal/Literary
Quick answer
What does “beau monde” mean?
Fashionable society.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Fashionable society; the sophisticated, wealthy, and socially prominent class.
The elite social circles characterized by glamour, high culture, and exclusivity; sometimes used with a mildly satirical or critical tone to imply superficiality or pretension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be used in British English in traditional social commentary; in American English, it might appear in more stylized or historical contexts. The term is understood but rarely used in everyday speech in either variety.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can connote old-fashioned glamour or outdated social hierarchies. In British usage, it may specifically reference the upper classes and aristocracy; in American usage, it leans more toward celebrity and cultural elites.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, slightly higher in British historical or satirical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “beau monde” in a Sentence
The ___ of the beau mondeAmongst the beau mondeTo be part of the beau mondeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beau monde” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a certain beau-monde air about him.
- Their soirée was a decidedly beau-monde affair.
American English
- The gallery opening had a beau-monde vibe.
- She dismissed it as mere beau-monde posturing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Might appear in high-end branding/marketing for luxury goods targeting an exclusive clientele.
Academic
Used in historical, sociological, or cultural studies texts discussing class, fashion, or 18th-19th century society.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Would sound pretentious or ironic.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beau monde”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beau monde”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beau monde”
- Incorrect plural: 'beau mondes' (the phrase is collective and typically not pluralized).
- Mispronunciation: pronouncing 'beau' as /bjuː/ or 'monde' as /mɒndeɪ/.
- Misspelling: 'bow monde', 'bo monde'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, somewhat archaic term found primarily in formal, literary, or historical contexts.
Yes, it is standard to italicize 'beau monde' as it is a direct loan phrase from French.
Yes, it can carry a mildly satirical or critical connotation, implying shallowness, exclusivity, or pretentiousness.
'Beau monde' is more specific, evocative, and literary, often conjuring a particular historical or glamorous image. 'High society' is a more neutral, modern, and general term.
Fashionable society.
Beau monde is usually formal/literary in register.
Beau monde: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbəʊ ˈmɒnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊ ˈmɑːnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The beau monde comes out to play.”
- “Not for the beau monde.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BEAU (a handsome admirer) in the MONDE (world) — a world full of handsome, fashionable people.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A STAGE (where the beau monde are the leading actors).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'beau monde'?