Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

beau geste

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.04 in modern English

Syllables: beau geste
IPA

12

Scrabble Score

9

Letters

1

Syllables

7

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A gracious gesture that is noble in form but often futile or meaningless in substance.

Example Sentences

"Chamberlain's offer was enthusiastically welcomed by a section of the Zionists and by all with gratitude. It was a beau geste on the part of the Government, and a recognition that Herzl and his following were regarded seriously in serious quarters."
"Real estate ventures provide opportunities for beau gestes that result in comfort and convenience."
"In a magnificent beau geste, the destroyer, hopelessly trapped, turned as if to flee, threw out a smoke screen, and when the [enemy ship] charged into it, rammed her at flank speed […]"

Etymology

Borrowed from French beau geste (literally “beautiful gesture”). */ˌboʊ ˈʒest/

Origin

Source language: French

Word Breakdown

Root: beau geste

Inflected Forms

beaux gestes (plural) beau gestes (plural)

Questions

What does beau geste mean?: A gracious gesture that is noble in form but often futile or meaningless in substance.
Where does beau geste come from?: It is traced to French.

How to pronounce beau geste

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