beau

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a man who is the lover of a girl or young woman
  2. noun a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

Etymology

From Middle English beau, beu, bew, bewe, from Old French beau, from Latin bellus (“beautiful”). Doublet of bello and boo.

In classic literature

Synonyms

boyfriend, fellow, swain, young man

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