Gorgeous Meaning, Origin and Examples

Gorgeous Meaning

Key Takeaways

• “Gorgeous” is an adjective used to describe exceptional beauty or splendor, often with a sense of brilliance.
• The word distinguishes itself from other terms of beauty by suggesting lavishness and spectacle.

What Does Gorgeous Mean?

Gorgeous is an adjective used to describe something that is strikingly beautiful or magnificent to the senses. It is often used to refer to something that is visually stunning or pleasing in appearance.

Origin of Gorgeous

The term “gorgeous” has its roots in the Middle English gorgeouse, which is derived from the Old French gorgias, meaning “elegant,” likely originating from the Medieval Latin gorgias, “a fancy belt or girdle,” designed to catch the eye.

• Timeline: Middle English (14th Century) → Old French (12th Century)

Other Meanings of Gorgeous

While gorgeous typically refers to aesthetic beauty, it can also describe something that gives great pleasure or satisfaction.

• Extended uses: delicious meals, excellent performances
• Informal Context: “That goal was gorgeous!”

Commonly Confused Terms with Gorgeous

Gorgeous vs. Beautiful

• Gorgeous: Implies a breathtaking, often lavish level of beauty.
• Beautiful: Commonly describes aesthetic appeal that is more understated and can be found in simplicity or subtlety.

Gorgeous vs. Stunning

• Gorgeous: Conveys a warmer, perhaps more colorful, and rich type of attractiveness.
• Stunning: Typically signifies shock or impact, suggesting a beauty that can overwhelm or astonish.

Gorgeous vs. Handsome

• Gorgeous: Frequently used for both genders but implies a certain lush, ornate quality.
• Handsome: Often reserved for men, highlighting a more classic and often rugged form of attractiveness.

Gorgeous vs. Elegant

• Gorgeous: Focuses on the grand and striking nature of an individual’s appearance or an object’s design.
• Elegant: Denotes a beauty that is graceful and stylish, often with an air of sophistication.

Gorgeous vs. Glamorous

• Gorgeous: Refers to a standout beauty that is rich and commanding attention.
• Glamorous: Implies a charming and alluring beauty often associated with fame, luxury, and excitement.

Gorgeous Examples

In Conversations

Conversation 1:

• Person 1: “You look absolutely gorgeous in that dress!”
• Person 2: “Thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words.”

Conversation 2:

• Person 1: “The view from the mountain was gorgeous; the sunset painted the sky with incredible colors.”
• Person 2: “I bet it was a stunning sight. I’ve always wanted to see a mountain sunset.”

In Texting and Social Posts

• Admiring Beauty: “Just saw the pictures from your trip, the beaches look gorgeous! ????”
• Expressing Enjoyment: “Had a gorgeous day out with family, blessed with great weather and company!”

Other Examples of “Gorgeous”

• Literature: The author described the garden as “a gorgeous array of colors and fragrances that delighted the senses.”
• Marketing and Advertising: Advertisements often use the word to describe products or destinations, like “Discover the gorgeous new collection this spring.”

Usage of Gorgeous in Different Contexts

• People: “You look gorgeous tonight!” – Here, gorgeous emphasizes exceptional beauty.

Gorgeous is not limited to the description of people. It also extends to objects and experiences that elicit a sense of awe due to their beauty or splendor.

• Nature and Scenery: “The view from the mountain top was gorgeous.” – Nature often earns this descriptor when it evokes a powerful visual impact.

We also use gorgeous to describe man-made objects or creations, such as works of art or beautifully designed items.

• Objects: “The craftsmanship of the vase is simply gorgeous.” – Inanimate objects are often termed gorgeous when they feature exceptional aesthetics.

Additionally, the term adapts to situations that, while not visually observable, provide a delightful experience.

• Experiences: “The concert last night was absolutely gorgeous.” – Non-visual experiences can be described as gorgeous when they deliver great pleasure.

Gorgeous Terminology

In this section, we’ll explore the various terms connected to “gorgeous” and how they differ or relate to each other in usage.

Related Terms to Gorgeous

• Aesthetic: Pertaining to the appreciation of beauty or good taste, often used in relation to visual elements that are pleasing.
• Comely: Attractive in appearance; often used for a person who has a pleasant and traditional beauty.
• Elegant: Gracefully refined and tasteful, often connoting a sort of dignified beauty.

Synonyms for Gorgeous

Antonyms for Gorgeous

• Plain: Lacking in physical embellishment, decoration, or elaborate features; simple in appearance.
• Unattractive: Not appealing to look at; lacking beauty or charm.
• Drab: Dull and uninteresting, often used in relation to color or appearance.