# beholder

/biˈhoʊɫdɝ/ (US) · /bɪhˈəʊldɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beholder
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.