beguine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 – Low. Primarily found in historical, cultural, or musicological contexts.Formal (for the historical religious order); Specialized/Technical (for the dance/music). The word is neutral but very rare in general use.
Quick answer
What does “beguine” mean?
A social dance of Caribbean origin, or the music for it, similar to a slow rumba.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A social dance of Caribbean origin, or the music for it, similar to a slow rumba.
Informally, can refer to a lively social event or party featuring such music and dance. Historically, also refers to a member of a lay Christian sisterhood in the Low Countries (capitalized: Beguine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The dance/music sense is equally rare in both varieties. The historical/religious sense is more likely encountered in European history texts.
Connotations
The dance/music sense carries connotations of tropical, romantic, or nostalgic elegance (e.g., "Begin the Beguine"). The historical sense connotes piety and medieval lay religious life.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects. Most commonly recognized via the Cole Porter song title "Begin the Beguine."
Grammar
How to Use “beguine” in a Sentence
[dance/play/sing] + the + beguineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “beguine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The band began to play a beguine.
- They learnt to beguine at the holiday resort.
American English
- The orchestra launched into a beguine.
- We can beguine after dinner.
adjective
British English
- The beguine rhythm was infectious.
- He played a beguine melody on the piano.
American English
- The beguine tempo is slower than a salsa.
- It was a classic beguine number.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical studies (medieval Christianity) or ethnomusicology (Caribbean music/dance).
Everyday
Rare, except in reference to the famous song or specific dance contexts.
Technical
Used in dance manuals, musicology, and historical religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beguine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beguine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beguine”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈbɛɡ.wɪn/ or /biːˈɡwaɪn/.
- Confusing the dance with 'beguile'.
- Using uncapitalized 'beguine' for the religious order.
- Thinking it is a common, contemporary dance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are false friends. 'Beguile' comes from Old English, while 'beguine' (the dance) is from French colonial Caribbean, and the religious order is from Old French.
No, that is an incorrect assumption based on the phrase "Begin the Beguine." It is not related to the word 'beginner.'
Context is key. If the topic is medieval history or religion, it's the lay sister. If the topic is music, dance, or popular culture (especially referencing Cole Porter), it's the Caribbean dance.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized word. Its most common appearance is in the fixed phrase from the song title "Begin the Beguine."
A social dance of Caribbean origin, or the music for it, similar to a slow rumba.
Beguine is usually formal (for the historical religious order); specialized/technical (for the dance/music). the word is neutral but very rare in general use. in register.
Beguine: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈɡiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /bəˈɡin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Begin the Beguine (to start something nostalgic, romantic, or complex)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Link to the song: "BEGIN the Beguine" is how most people BEGIN to know this word.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST IS A DANCE ("Begin the Beguine" evokes nostalgic memories).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Beguine' (capitalized) most accurately described as?