“Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder” Meaning, Origin and Examples

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is a phrase that suggests beauty is subjective and can vary from person to person. This reference explores the meaning of the phrase and provides examples of how it is used and other expressions that convey a similar idea. This guide will help you think about beauty from a new perspective and appreciate its unique meaning.

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” means that beauty is subjective, and what one person finds beautiful may not be the same for someone else. Beauty depends on individual perspective. 
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning
Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder Meaning

The term “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” refers to the fact that all things or people are beautiful but it depends on who is viewing them. What one person deems to be beautiful, another may not and it is all down to personal preference. For example, you might find a rose the most beautiful flower in the world but your sister may not agree and might think that the daisy is the most beautiful.

Origin of this Idiom

This phrase can be dated back to a writer named Margaret Wolfe Hungerford who first used the term in her 1878 book, Molly Bawn. However, there is some speculation that Plato came up with the idea behind this saying, although he did not use the words “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” exactly, he did talk about the meaning behind the phrase, this was all the way back in 400 BC!

Usage of “Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder”

To express personal taste:

  • “I don’t understand why she likes that painting, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

In a conversation about differing opinions on attractiveness:

  • “He thinks that car is stunning, but I don’t see it. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

When discussing subjective opinions on art or design:

  • “Not everyone appreciates abstract art, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Related Terms to “Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder”

Here are some related terms to “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” that also express the idea of subjective or personal perception:

  1. Subjective beauty – The idea that beauty is based on personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
    • Example: “Beauty is subjective, and everyone has different tastes.”
  2. Personal preference – A person’s individual liking or choice.
    • Example: “Her choice of art reflects her personal preference.”
  3. To each their own – Everyone has their own preferences or opinions.
    • Example: “He loves modern architecture, but I prefer classic styles. To each their own.”
  4. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – What one person dislikes, another may value or find beautiful.
    • Example: “She didn’t want that old chair, but I found it charming. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
  5. Beauty is only skin deep – Outer beauty is superficial and not as important as inner qualities.
    • Example: “She may be attractive, but remember, beauty is only skin deep.”
  6. Taste is subjective – What people enjoy or find beautiful differs from person to person.
    • Example: “He likes spicy food, but I don’t. Taste is subjective.”

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

Other ways you might refer to the meaning of this term could be:

  • To each his own
  • To each their own
  • There’s a lid for every pot
  • Everyone has his own tastes
  • Different people like different things
  • Not everyone has the same taste

“Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder” Examples

Example Sentences

You could use this phrase, as we mentioned earlier, to describe either people or objects, perhaps even places. You might use the term when talking about your husband or wife

  • “My husband is not your typically attractive man but to me he is gorgeous, after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder“. 

You could also use it to talk about a location

  • “My father loves the beach but I find it terrible, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder“.

Conversation Examples

When using this phrase in a conversation, it might sound like some of these examples.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: Have you seen Mikes new girlfriend?
  • Person 2: No, why do you ask?
  • Person 1: Well she isn’t very attractive.
  • Person 2: Mike must think she is, after all beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: I don’t see why Arthur has brought this painting, it’s so ugly.
  • Person 2: Yes, I think so too but beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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