gorgeous - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
gorgeous Word Meanings
- very beautiful or attractive
- delightful, excellent
- impressive or splendid
gorgeous Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
gorgeous Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡɔːdʒəs/
US
/ˈɡɔrdʒəs/
gorgeous Word Etymology
gorge- = to be pleasing, -ous = full of; Middle English from Old French 'gorgeus'; Imagine a beautiful garden overflowing with vibrant flowers and colors that captivate your senses.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my gaze and move closer to the scene, letting the light soften the edges. The color changes as a smile blooms, and I hold steady, feeling a small push of admiration. What I notice feels bright and strong, a delight that seems almost too good to name. Later I use the word to describe a place, a moment, a look that one might call gorgeous.
Real Context
Gorgeous is a vivid, enthusiastic adjective used to describe things that catch the eye with striking beauty. It can refer to people, clothing, scenery, or even ideas when the speaker wants to emphasize strong appeal. It is stronger than beautiful or pretty and often conveys a sense of delight, luxury, or glamour. In everyday speech you might hear a gorgeous dress or a gorgeous view, and people sometimes say gorgeous day after good weather. Be mindful that using gorgeous for personality might feel over the top; more common is to praise appearances or aesthetic qualities. Use with positive nouns and avoid overusing in formal writing.
Usage Reminders
- Use with concrete nouns
- Avoid describing negative qualities with gorgeous
- Strongly informal; good for fashion, design, views
- Not ideal for neutral or subtle praise
- Pair with nouns that carry visual impact
- Remember it signals glamour, not just prettiness
Common Misconceptions
- It is synonymous with beautiful in all contexts
- You can use it for personality traits
- It describes weather as a rule
- It is suitable for formal writing
- It is the same as glamorous
Thinking Differences
Native speakers hear gorgeous as a strong, vivid compliment for visible beauty or glamour; learners often slip into using it for neutral praise or for weather, which sounds odd.
Learning Tips
- Pair with vivid nouns: gorgeous view, gorgeous dress, gorgeous day
- Compare with beautiful and pretty to gauge intensity
- Practice pronunciation: stressed first syllable: GAR-juss
- Use in informal speech to express enthusiasm
- Avoid overusing in formal writing
- Note which nouns carry glamorous or luxury connotations
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'gorgeous' used correctly?
A.The weather was gorgeous, so I stayed indoors all day.
B.He was feeling gorgeous after a long day at work.
C.She wore a gorgeous dress to the party, everyone admired it.
D.The cat looked gorgeous in the rain.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'gorgeous'?
A.Beautiful
B.Plain
C.Mediocre
D.Dull
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'gorgeous'?
A.Dazzling
B.Lovely
C.Stunning
D.Unattractive
Step 5: Mastery
When would you describe something as 'gorgeous' in real life?
A.When feeling tired
B.While cleaning the house
C.In a messy room
D.During a breathtaking sunset
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