How Do You Spell BELLE?

Pronunciation: [bˈɛl] (IPA)

The word “belle” refers to a beautiful woman or a female admirer. The spelling of this word has two syllables, with the first syllable being pronounced as “bel” and the second as “l”. The first syllable uses the vowel sound “ɛ” which is pronounced as in the word “hello”. The second syllable is pronounced as the consonant sound “l”, which is pronounced by placing the tip of the tongue behind the upper teeth and exhaling. Hence, the phonetic transcription for “belle” is /bɛl/.

BELLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Belle is a noun that refers to a beautiful young woman. The term is often used to describe a woman who is attractive, charming, and appealing in appearance. Derived from the French word "belle," which means "beautiful" or "pretty," it carries connotations of physical attractiveness and grace.

    Historically, the term "belle" was commonly used in literature and in social settings to refer to women who possessed both beauty and social grace. These women were often the center of attention in social gatherings, admired for their physical appearance and enchanting personalities. The term was particularly prevalent during the Victorian era, where it became associated with the ideal of feminine beauty.

    In contemporary usage, "belle" may carry a slightly archaic or romantic tone. It can be applied to someone who embodies traditional notions of beauty and elegance. This term is sometimes used to describe the lead female character in a story or as a title for a person who is admired for their physical attractiveness or gracefulness.

    Overall, "belle" serves as a descriptive term that conveys both beauty and charm. It represents a woman who captivates others with her appearance and demeanor, often evoking admiration and enchantment.

  2. A young lady much admired.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BELLE

Etymology of BELLE

The word belle is derived from the Old French word bele, which means beautiful or fair. It entered the English language in the 14th century and has been used to describe a beautiful woman ever since. The term can also be traced back to the Latin word bellus, which has a similar meaning of pretty or charming.

Idioms with the word BELLE

  • be the belle of the ball The idiom "be the belle of the ball" refers to a person, usually a woman, who is the center of attention or the most admired and sought-after individual at a social gathering or event. It implies being the most beautiful, charming, or captivating person present.
  • belle of the ball The idiom "belle of the ball" refers to a person, usually a woman, who is the most attractive, popular, and captivating individual at a social event or gathering. This term emphasizes the person's charm, beauty, and ability to captivate the attention and admiration of others.

Similar spelling words for BELLE

Plural form of BELLE is BELLES

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