Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small patch or artificial mark applied to the face: A "beauty spot" is a small, often dark, decorative mark, historically applied to a person's face (typically a woman's) to enhance attractiveness, emphasize the whiteness of the skin, or draw attention to specific facial features.
   • A place of outstanding natural beauty: In modern British English, "beauty spot" can also refer to a location, often in the countryside, that is noted for its scenic attractiveness.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Cosmetic Patch):
  • In the 18th century, it was fashionable for women to wear a beauty spot near the mouth.
  • She applied a small black beauty spot to her cheek for the costume party.
• Noun (Scenic Location):
  • The lake is a popular beauty spot for walkers and photographers.
  • We stopped at a famous beauty spot to admire the view of the valley.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The cosmetic beauty spot (or "patch") was often made of silk, velvet, or leather and was sometimes used to discreetly cover blemishes or scars.
  • Portraits from the era show aristocrats wearing beauty spots in various shapes, even stars and moons.

Variants and Related Words

• Patch (n): A small piece of material used to cover or decorate. While a "patch" can be for repair, a "beauty spot" is specifically for adornment.
• Scenic spot (n): A more general term for a place of beautiful scenery, synonymous with the second meaning of "beauty spot."

Synonyms

• For the cosmetic mark: Patch, mouche (from French).
• For the scenic location: Scenic area, picturesque place, viewpoint.

Related Idioms

• "A blot on the landscape": This idiom refers to something ugly that spoils a beautiful view. It is conceptually opposite to a "beauty spot" as a scenic location.
  • The new factory is a real blot on the landscape.

Noun

1. a spot that is worn on a lady's face for adornment