Word
beholder
Phoneticsbe·hold·er, stress on the second syllable
US/biˈhoʊɫdɝ/
UK/bɪhˈəʊldɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the person who is looking at something. This word is often used in the phrase 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', which means that what one person finds attractive, another might not.
n. the person who looks at or observes something. Frequently used in the idiomatic expression 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder', which emphasizes subjective perception.
Examples
“The beauty of the sunset depends on the beholder.”
“What one person finds fascinating, another might find boring, so the value of the art depends on the beholder.”
“The philosopher argued that the moral weight of an action is not inherent in the deed itself, but rather in the perspective of the beholder who interprets its intent.”
Examples
simple
“The beauty of the sunset depends on the beholder.”
contextual
“What one person finds fascinating, another might find boring, so the value of the art depends on the beholder.”
complex
“The philosopher argued that the moral weight of an action is not inherent in the deed itself, but rather in the perspective of the beholder who interprets its intent.”
Real-World Examples
“Among humans, who we consider a “stranger” firmly remains in the “eye of the beholder.”
So yes, it is indeed a matter of taste.” “But, of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it changes with the times.” Etymology
From Middle English behalder, be holdar, beholder, beholdere, biholdar, biholdere, byholdere; equivalent to behold + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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