Beguiling: meaning, definitions and examples
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beguiling
[ bɪˈɡaɪlɪŋ ]
charm, allure
Beguiling refers to something that is charming or enchanting, often in a deceptive way. It can describe a person who is attractive and alluring, but may also imply that there is a level of trickery involved. The term often suggests a sense of seduction or enticement that draws people in, sometimes masking less than genuine intentions. In literature, beguiling characters often engage in acts that are both fascinating and, at times, misleading.
Synonyms
alluring, captivating, charming, enchanting, seductive.
Examples of usage
- She wore a beguiling smile that made everyone feel at ease.
- The beguiling melody of the song captivated the audience.
- His beguiling words tricked the listeners into believing him.
Translations
Translations of the word "beguiling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 enganador
🇮🇳 धोखेबाज़
🇩🇪 verführerisch
🇮🇩 menipu
🇺🇦 обманливий
🇵🇱 zwodniczy
🇯🇵 魅力的な
🇫🇷 séduisant
🇪🇸 engañador
🇹🇷 baş döndürücü
🇰🇷 매혹적인
🇸🇦 خداع
🇨🇿 okouzlující
🇸🇰 okúzľujúci
🇨🇳 迷人的
🇸🇮 zapeljiv
🇮🇸 heillandi
🇰🇿 арбаушы
🇬🇪 მხიარული
🇦🇿 cazibədar
🇲🇽 engañador
Etymology
The word 'beguiling' originates from the Middle English term 'bigilen', which means to deceive or charm, deriving from the Old English 'bēgēlian'. The prefix 'be-' indicates a thorough action, while 'guil' has its roots in the word for 'guile', meaning to trick or deceive. Over the centuries, the term evolved to encompass not just deceit, but also the enchanting aspects of charm and allure. By the 14th century, 'beguile' was commonly understood to imply a sense of both attraction and deception, often used in literature to describe characters who exhibit both kindness and cunning. The rich historical background of the word explains its nuanced implications in modern usage.