bevy
/'bevi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A group of birds, especially when gathered closely together: This meaning specifically refers to a flock of birds, often of the same kind, collected in one place, typically on the ground or water.
- A large group or collection of people, especially of a particular type: This meaning describes a sizable, often lively, gathering of people, frequently used to refer to a group of women or girls.
Examples of Usage
Referring to birds:
- A bevy of quail scurried across the path.
- We watched a bevy of swans gliding on the lake.
Referring to people:
- The actor was followed by a bevy of enthusiastic fans.
- A bevy of reporters waited outside the courthouse.
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a slightly poetic or vivid connotation, making it more descriptive than simple words like "group" or "crowd."
- When used for people, it can sometimes imply a sense of liveliness, attractiveness, or a shared characteristic among the group members.
Variants and Related Words
- Flock (n): A more general term for a group of birds or animals, or sometimes people.
- Gaggle (n): Specifically a flock of geese, or informally a disorderly group of people.
- Covey (n): A small flock of birds, especially partridges or quail.
Synonyms
- Group: A general term for a number of people or things located, gathered, or classed together.
- Assembly: A group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose.
- Cluster: A group of similar things or people positioned or occurring closely together.
Related Phrases
- A bevy of beauties: A common idiomatic phrase referring to a group of attractive women.
- The magazine cover featured a bevy of beauties from the latest fashion show.
Noun
- a flock of birds (especially when gathered close together on the ground)
- we were visited at breakfast by a bevy of excited ducks
- a large gathering of people of a particular type
- he was surrounded by a bevy of beauties in bathing attire
- a bevy of young beach boys swarmed around him