bonny
/'bɔni/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Attractive, beautiful, or pleasing in appearance: Used to describe someone or something that is visually appealing, often with a sense of health, freshness, or charm.
- Fine, excellent, or good: Can describe something of high quality or a favorable condition.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- She was a bonny baby with bright eyes and rosy cheeks.
- They sailed into a bonny little harbor on a sunny morning.
- He's a bonny fighter, strong and determined. (Here, it implies robust health and vigor.)
Advanced Usage
- "Bonny" is often used in Scottish and Northern English dialects, adding a regional or traditional flavor. It carries connotations of wholesome, hearty attractiveness rather than delicate beauty.
- The bonny banks of Loch Lomond are a famous sight.
- It can be used as a term of endearment, particularly in Scotland.
- "Come here, my bonny lad," the grandmother said.
Variants and Related Words
- Bonnie: An alternative, common spelling, especially in Scottish contexts.
- The song "My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean" uses this spelling.
- Bonniless (adj., rare/archaic): Not beautiful or pleasing.
Synonyms
- Beautiful: Pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically.
- Comely: Pleasant to look at (often used for people, slightly old-fashioned).
- Fair: Beautiful, especially of a woman (archaic or literary).
- Pretty: Attractive in a delicate way.
- Lovely: Exquisitely beautiful.
Antonyms
- Plain: Not beautiful or attractive.
- Ugly: Unpleasant or repulsive to look at.
- Unattractive: Not appealing to look at.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Bonny fechter" (Scottish): A good or brave fighter; someone who is strong and determined.
- He was respected in the community as a real bonny fechter.
- "A bonny penny": A large amount of money (archaic/regional).
- That antique vase must have cost a bonny penny.
Adjective
- very pleasing to the eye
- my bonny lass
- there's a bonny bay beyond
- a comely face
- young fair maidens