Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Beady Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👀
Add to dictionary

beady

[ˈbiːdi ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural References

  • In literature and films, characters with beady eyes often portray cunning or scheming personalities.
  • The term often appears in descriptions of animals, where 'beady eyes' add to their mysterious or menacing aura.
  • In art, beady-eyed creatures can be used to evoke a sense of unease or to emphasize predatory features.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that people interpret 'beady eyes' as an indicator of high alertness or suspicion in others.
  • Small, shiny eyes may trigger a defensive response in some animals, as they can denote a potential predator.
  • The perception of beady eyes often influences social interactions; people may avoid those who possess them.

Fashion

  • In the world of fashion, the concept of 'beady-eyed' style can refer to a bold or striking makeup look that draws attention to the eyes.
  • Certain eyewear styles could be described as 'beady' when they emphasize the smallness and reflectiveness of the lens.
  • The 1980s saw trends where eye makeup was emphasized to create a look reminiscent of small, striking eyes.

Children's Literature

  • Many children's stories feature animals with beady eyes, often depicting a wise owl or a sneaky rat, influencing their character traits.
  • Illustrators often exaggerate beady eyes in characters to convey emotions like surprise or mischief.
  • Books aimed at young readers use beady-eyed characters to teach lessons about wisdom or caution in choices.

Origin of 'beady'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'beady' originates from the word 'bead,' which refers to small, round objects often used in jewelry or decoration.
  • Originally, it was used to describe bright or shiny items, and over time, it came to mostly refer to eyes.
  • The transition from describing objects to eyes highlights how eyes can convey alertness and intensity.

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.