beau

/bou/

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The word "beau" is a noun that comes from French and is used in English to describe a man who pays a lot of attention to how he dresses and looks. It can also refer to a man who is romantically involved with a woman, similar to a boyfriend.

Simple Explanation:

1. Appearance: A "beau" is a man who cares a lot about his clothes and how he looks. For example, he might wear stylish outfits and take time to groom himself well.
2. Romantic Partner: A "beau" can also mean a man who is a girl's or young woman's boyfriend or lover.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "beau" in both contexts. If you're talking about someone’s style, you might say, "He is quite a beau, always dressed perfectly." If you're talking about a romantic relationship, you could say, "She took her beau to the party."

Examples:

1. Appearance: “He is such a beau, always wearing the latest fashion.”
2. Romantic Partner: “She introduced her beau to her friends at dinner.”

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or more formal contexts, "beau" might be used to refer to a gentleman who is charming, sophisticated, and has an elegant appearance.

Word Variants:

• Beaux: This is the plural form of "beau" and refers to multiple men who fit the description (e.g., "The party was full of well-dressed beaux.").

Different Meanings:

• While "beau" primarily refers to a man concerned with appearance or as a romantic partner, it can sometimes imply charm or sophistication in a broader sense.

Synonyms:

• For the meaning related to appearance, you might use:

  • Dandy
  • Fashionable man

• For the romantic partner aspect, synonyms include:

  • Boyfriend
  • Suitor
  • Lover

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "beau," but you might hear phrases like "a beau of a man," which emphasizes how charming or attractive he is.

Academic

Noun

1. a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
2. a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
   • if I'd known he was her boyfriend I wouldn't have asked

Synonyms

• dandy
• dude
• fop
• gallant
• sheik
• swell
• fashion plate
• clotheshorse
• boyfriend
• fellow
• swain
• young man