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Beady: meaning, definitions and examples

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beady

 

[ ˈbiːdi ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

describing eyes

The term 'beady' typically refers to small, round, shiny objects, particularly when describing eyes. Beady eyes are often characterized by their small size, brightness, and a notable lack of emotion or warmth. It may suggest a piercing or unsettling gaze that can imply suspicion or shrewdness. This adjective is often used in literature and conversation to describe individuals whose eyes resemble beads, thereby creating a particular impression about their character.

Synonyms

gleaming, glittering, shiny

Examples of usage

  • She gave him a beady stare that made him uncomfortable.
  • The detective's beady eyes missed nothing at the crime scene.
  • His beady little eyes watched me from the shadows.

Translations

Translations of the word "beady" in other languages:

🇵🇹 de olhos esbugalhados

🇮🇳 बिंदु-पात

🇩🇪 perlenartig

🇮🇩 berbintik

🇺🇦 блискучий

🇵🇱 perłowy

🇯🇵 ビーズのような

🇫🇷 perlé

🇪🇸 de perlas

🇹🇷 inci gibi

🇰🇷 구슬 같은

🇸🇦 كرات

🇨🇿 perlový

🇸🇰 perlovo

🇨🇳 珠状的

🇸🇮 biserast

🇮🇸 perlulíkur

🇰🇿 маржанды

🇬🇪 მარგალიტისებრი

🇦🇿 dizaynlı

🇲🇽 de perlas

Word origin

The word 'beady' originated in the early 19th century, deriving from the noun 'bead', which itself traces back to the Old English 'bede', meaning 'prayer'. Historically, beads were often small, rounded objects used in various contexts, such as decoration and prayer counting. The transition of 'bead' to the adjective 'beady' reflects a visual characteristic of these small objects. It likely emerged from the way jewelry makers would create intricate designs, incorporating beads that caught the light. The figurative use of 'beady' to describe eyes began as people started associating the shiny, rounded aspect of beads with certain expressions in human eyes, especially when they appear cold or calculating. Therefore, this term has evolved to carry connotations beyond the literal, often hinting at a person's cunning nature.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,657 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.