ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gorgeous

adj.
US //ˈɡɔɹdʒəs// UK //ɡˈɔːdʒəs// gor·geous
  1. 1 very beautiful (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    extremely beautiful or attractive to look at.

    characterised by striking beauty or physical attractiveness. Often used as a high-intensity synonym for 'pretty' or 'handsome'.

    Example

    You look gorgeous in that red dress you bought for the wedding.

    Example

    The bride looked absolutely gorgeous as she walked down the aisle, her lace veil catching the soft morning light.
    Pitfall
    The weather is very gorgeous today.
    The weather is absolutely gorgeous today.

    Since 'gorgeous' is a non-gradable (extreme) adjective, use 'absolutely' or 'completely' instead of 'very'.

  2. 2 very pleasant (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    very enjoyable or pleasant, often used to describe weather or food.

    highly enjoyable or satisfying in a sensory or experiential way. Frequently collocates with 'weather', 'meal', or 'day'.

    Example

    We had a gorgeous dinner at that new Italian restaurant by the park.

    Example

    After a week of heavy rain, the weekend brought gorgeous sunshine that encouraged everyone to head to the coast.
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  1. 3 richly decorated (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    having rich, bright colours or expensive decorations.

    characterised by magnificent or sumptuously ornate decoration. This sense leans toward the word's etymological roots in luxury and display.

    Example

    The palace rooms were filled with gorgeous silk tapestries and gold statues.

    Example

    The cathedral was adorned with gorgeous frescoes that depicted the history of the city in vibrant, gilded detail.
Origin

From Middle English gorgeouse, a borrowing from Middle French gorgias (“elegant, fashionable”), from Old French gourgias, gorgias (“gorgeous, gaudy, flaunting, gallant, fine”), of uncertain origin, but apparently connected with Old French gorgias (“a gorget, ruffle for the neck”), from Old French gorge (“bosom, throat”). See gorge. Semantic evolution probably akin to "swelling of the throat or bosom due to pride, bridling up" to "assume an air of importance, flaunting".

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