How many ways can you say someone is beautiful in English?

Beauty is everywhere. In the people around us, in the way someone carries themselves, in a smile that catches you off guard. And sometimes when you see it, you're just a little lost for words. Luckily, there are quite a few ways to describe it in English, and each one means something slightly different.

Beautiful and handsome

"Beautiful" is the one most people learn first. It describes someone whose looks are genuinely impressive in an overall way, not just one feature but the whole picture. And it works in almost every situation, for anyone regardless of gender, whether you're talking about someone's looks, their presence, or both.

"Handsome" is a little more specific. It's most commonly used for men, though you'll occasionally hear it used for women too. It generally applies to someone with strong, defined features, like a sharp jawline or prominent cheekbones. It's less about being pretty or delicate, and more about looking confident and well put together.

• She has a handsome, strong face.
• He's a beautiful person, inside and out.
• Your grandfather was very handsome when he was young.
• She was the most beautiful woman in the room.

Pretty, cute, and adorable

"Pretty" is a softer word than beautiful. It refers to someone who is good-looking in a soft, wholesome way, and is more for women and children than for men.

"Cute" is similar but carries a slightly different feeling. It captures that sweet, warm kind of attractiveness. When referring to adults, it suggests someone who is easy to be around.

"Adorable" takes that a step further. It's mostly used for children or animals, but adults use it too, usually for someone whose looks and personality together make them hard not to like.

• Sharon is very pretty, especially when she smiles.
• Tracy's twins are so cute. They look just like their dad.
• Your little cousin is absolutely adorable.
• He's so cute. Have you met him?

Gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking

These three words are at the stronger end of the scale. They all point to a high level of attractiveness, but each one has its own feel.

"Gorgeous" is probably the most common of the three. It means extremely good-looking, and it works for both men and women.

"Stunning" suggests the kind of looks that actually stop you for a moment. It's stronger than gorgeous and often implies that something about the person's appearance is particularly noticeable. Maybe it's the way they're dressed, their features, or the whole package.

"Breathtaking" is the most intense of the three. It's when someone's beauty is so striking that it genuinely catches you off guard. It's not something you'd say casually.

• She walked in looking absolutely gorgeous.
• You look stunning in that dress.
• The bride was breathtaking. Everyone turned to look.
• He's gorgeous. Where did you meet him?

Radiant and appealing

"Radiant" is the word for someone who has a kind of glow about them. Not just in their looks, but in their energy and presence. It's often used when someone looks extra happy or full of life, which is why it comes up so often at weddings or when someone is pregnant.

"Appealing" is a little more understated. It's the kind of attractiveness that naturally draws you in. It's also one of the more versatile words in this group, covering looks, personality, or both.

• Doesn't the bride look radiant today?
• She's been glowing all evening. Absolutely radiant.
• I find her really appealing. She's just so genuine.

Describing someone as beautiful or attractive can be a wonderful thing. It can also, depending on the situation, make someone uncomfortable.

For instance, in professional settings, commenting on someone's appearance is generally best avoided. Even well-intentioned compliments about how someone looks can feel out of place at work, especially if you don't know the person well. Stick to complimenting their work instead.

And if you're ever unsure whether a compliment is appropriate, a good way to think about it is to consider the setting and how well you know the person. When in doubt, leave it out.