bevy
C2Formal, Literary, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
A large group of people or things of a particular kind, especially people of a similar age, class, or profession. Historically, specifically a group of birds, such as quails or larks.
While the core meaning remains a group, it has become strongly associated with gatherings of women (e.g., 'a bevy of beauties/models/actresses'), often with a nuance of attractiveness or similarity. Can also be used more neutrally for a collection of inanimate objects (e.g., 'a bevy of options/sensors').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries a connotation of a closely-knit, often attractive or notable, collective. Its use for women, while common, can be perceived as archaic or objectifying in modern contexts if used carelessly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Slightly more common in British literary and journalistic prose.
Connotations
In both varieties, the association with groups of women is strong. The ornithological sense is archaic in both.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions; more likely found in writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
a bevy of [plural noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'bevy'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly 'The CEO arrived with a bevy of advisors.'
Academic
Very rare, except perhaps in historical/literary analysis.
Everyday
Uncommon. Would sound deliberately colourful.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The celebrity was followed by a bevy of photographers.
- A bevy of new regulations has been introduced this quarter, complicating the process.
- The garden attracted a bevy of colourful butterflies.
- The policy announcement was met with a bevy of criticism from experts across the spectrum.
- Upon entering the gala, he was immediately surrounded by a bevy of socialites seeking his attention.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'BEVY of BEauties at a partY' – it emphasizes the 'B' and 'V' sounds and the common context.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE BIRDS (from the original ornithological sense: a flock of birds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation to 'стая' (flock) for people in neutral contexts, as it can sound derogatory. 'Группа' is safer but loses the nuance. The specific 'bevy of beauties' is often translated as 'созвездие красавиц'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for a small number (a bevy implies a sizable group).
- Using it without 'of' (incorrect: 'a bevy models'; correct: 'a bevy of models').
- Overusing the term, making speech sound unnatural.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'bevy' used LEAST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is strongly associated with groups of women, especially attractive ones (e.g., models, actresses). It can be used for other groups (e.g., reporters, questions, birds) but this is less common.
It originated in the late Middle English (early 15th century), of unknown origin, but was originally a term for a company or group, especially of ladies. Later, it became a collective noun for birds like quails, larks, or roe deer.
Yes, it is considered formal, literary, or journalistic. It is not typically used in casual everyday conversation, where 'group', 'bunch', or 'crowd' would be more natural.
Yes, though less common. It can be used for a large collection of similar inanimate objects or abstract concepts, e.g., 'a bevy of statistics', 'a bevy of proposals'. The sense of a cohesive, notable collection remains.