beau ideal

noun

, plural beaus ideal, beaux ideal beau ideals

1. a conception of perfect beauty.
2. a model of excellence.

beau idéal

/ bo ideal /

noun

1. perfect beauty or excellence

Word History and Origins

Origin of beau ideal¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, beau ideal is from French beau idéal literally, “ideal beauty.” See beau, ideal

Word History and Origins

Origin of beau ideal¹

literally: ideal beauty

Example Sentences

Their friendship was the beau ideal of warrior comrades.

From Washington Post

Philanthropic achievements made him the beau ideal for plutocrats as renaissance men.

From New York Times

The women who in various ways competed for Hitler’s attention to embody the beau ideal of womanhood in the Reich: fecund, contentedly subservient, vying for the Fürher’s admiration.

From Washington Post

Hemingway, then 48, was known for leading a life of action and was the beau ideal for countless young men of a literary bent, including Mr. Hotchner.

From Washington Post

He also cited his favorite film, Howard Hawks’ Rio Bravo, as the beau ideal of such a movie.

From The Verge