begonia: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Standard. Formal in botanical/technical contexts; informal in everyday/gardening contexts.
Quick answer
What does “begonia” mean?
A popular ornamental plant of the genus Begonia, characterized by showy, asymmetric leaves and bright, often waxy flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular ornamental plant of the genus Begonia, characterized by showy, asymmetric leaves and bright, often waxy flowers.
The word can be used as a colour name, referring to the vibrant red or pink hues typical of some begonia flowers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. However, specific cultivar names may have regional popularity.
Connotations
Generally neutral, associated with gardening, decoration, and horticulture in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, appearing in gardening and general interest contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “begonia” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] begoniaA begonia [VERB]The begonia on the [NOUN]Plant/buy/grow [NUM] begoniasVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “begonia” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No established verb form.
American English
- No established verb form.
adverb
British English
- No established adverb form.
American English
- No established adverb form.
adjective
British English
- The begonia-red cushions matched the flowers.
American English
- She painted the room a bright begonia pink.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the horticulture trade, gardening retail, and floristry. e.g., 'This quarter's begonia sales have exceeded targets.'
Academic
Used in botany, horticulture, and plant biology. e.g., 'The study focused on the phototropism of Begonia rex.'
Everyday
Used in gardening, home decoration, and casual conversation. e.g., 'I picked up a lovely begonia for the windowsill.'
Technical
Used in precise horticultural classification and cultivation guides. e.g., 'Propagate the tuberous begonia by division in early spring.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “begonia”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “begonia”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “begonia”
- Misspelling: 'begonia' vs. 'begonnia' (incorrect double 'n').
- Pronunciation: Mis-stressing as /ˈbeɡ.ə.ni.ə/ instead of /bɪˈɡoʊ.njə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Some species are popular as houseplants (e.g., Rex begonias), while others (e.g., tuberous begonias) are grown in gardens during warmer months.
Most begonias prefer warm temperatures, indirect or dappled light, and well-draining soil. They generally dislike overwatering and direct, hot sunlight.
All parts of begonias are considered mildly toxic if ingested by pets and humans, potentially causing irritation and digestive upset. They are not considered edible plants.
The genus is named after Michel Bégon (1638-1710), a French patron of botany and former governor of the French colony of Haiti, who sponsored plant-collecting expeditions.
A popular ornamental plant of the genus Begonia, characterized by showy, asymmetric leaves and bright, often waxy flowers.
Begonia is usually standard. formal in botanical/technical contexts; informal in everyday/gardening contexts. in register.
Begonia: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈɡəʊ.ni.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈɡoʊ.njə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms use the word 'begonia'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'BEG' a plant expert for 'ONIA' your patio? = Begonia!
Conceptual Metaphor
None established for this concrete noun.
Practice
Quiz
What is a begonia primarily known as?