marguerite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Botanical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “marguerite” mean?
A type of daisy with white, yellow, or pink flowers, especially the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of daisy with white, yellow, or pink flowers, especially the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).
Common name for several daisy-like plants, including the Paris daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens). Also, historically, a feminine given name of French origin, meaning 'pearl'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both refer to the same plants. 'Oxeye daisy' is a more common everyday term in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, carries connotations of simplicity, innocence, and pastoral beauty. Slightly more literary in tone than 'daisy'.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both regions. More likely found in gardening contexts, literature, or as a proper name.
Grammar
How to Use “marguerite” in a Sentence
The marguerite [VERB] beautifully.She planted [DETERMINER] marguerite.A bouquet of [ADJECTIVE] marguerites.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marguerite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The border had a marguerite theme.
- She preferred the marguerite pattern.
American English
- The garden design was marguerite-inspired.
- It was a marguerite variety of chrysanthemum.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in botanical texts and horticultural studies.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners or in literary references.
Technical
Specific botanical name for certain species within the Asteraceae family.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marguerite”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marguerite”
- Misspelling as 'margerite' or 'margurite'.
- Using it as a general term for any daisy (it is specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both are daisies, 'marguerite' usually refers to the larger oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) or the Paris daisy (Argyranthemum). The common daisy (Bellis perennis) is smaller and a different species.
Yes, it is a French feminine given name, equivalent to Margaret in English. It means 'pearl'.
In British English: /ˌmɑːɡəˈriːt/ (mar-guh-REET). In American English: /ˌmɑːrɡəˈriːt/ (mar-guh-REET). The main difference is the rhotic /r/ in 'mar-' in American English.
Most likely in gardening books, botanical guides, classic literature (especially French literature in translation), or as a person's name. It is not a common everyday word.
A type of daisy with white, yellow, or pink flowers, especially the oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).
Marguerite is usually formal, botanical, literary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'marguerite'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MARGUERITE: MARGaret's daisies are really quite cute. Think of the flower 'daisy' and the name 'Margaret' combined.
Conceptual Metaphor
INNOCENCE IS A MARGUERITE (e.g., 'her marguerite-like purity'). SIMPLICITY IS A WILDFLOWER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most precise meaning of 'marguerite'?