10 High-Scoring Synonyms for "Beautiful" - Duolingo English Test
When describing an image on the DET, many people like to use the word "beautiful." However, there are synonyms that will get you more points when answering a Write About the Photo or Speak About the Photo question.
Synonyms for “Beautiful” That Will Increase Your Score on Picture Description Questions
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1. Idyllic
Idyllic means a place that is extremely happy or peaceful. For example, heaven is idyllic. A place that is idyllic is like paradise.
For the image below, I could say: This image depicts an idyllic place in the forest. There is a waterfall, trees, and a river with pools where you can swim and enjoy the nature. It looks like a peaceful, happy place to spend time.
2. Magnificent
Magnificent means "impressively beautiful." It's a great word to use when describing something that makes you say, "Wow!"
For example, the image below is of the Grand Canyon in the US. The Grand Canyon is so deep and large that when you see it, you say, "Wow!" because it's so impressive. Thus, you could say: In this image, we can see the magnificent Grand Canyon.
3. Charming
Charming means "pleasant or attractive." For example, about the image below we could say: This image shows a charming cafe.
It looks like it would be pleasant to sit outside in the sun with a coffee, reading a book or chatting with a friend or just watching the cars and people go by.
4. Lovely
Lovely means "very beautiful." It is used especially when describing something that is graceful.
To describe the image below, you could say: The bride in this image is wearing a lovely white dress.
5. Stunning
Stunning means "extremely beautiful." It is similar to "magnificent" but is even stronger.
"To stun" means to knock unconscious. (When we are sleeping, we are unconscious.) Something that is stunning is so beautiful that it knocks you out! (Not literally but figuratively.)
Below is an image taken in Big Sur in California. To describe it, you could say: This is a picture of a stunning view of a coastline and a bridge.
6. Elegant
Elegant means "graceful and stylish." It is a good word to describe things that have good taste or are fancy.
For example, you could describe the image below by saying: This image depicts an elegant dining room with high ceilings, large windows, and a chandelier.
7. Scenic
Scenic can be used to describe specifically natural scenes that are impressively beautiful. For example: This image captures a scenic view of a mountain range.
8. Picturesque
Picturesque is used to describe a scene that would make for a good picture. For example, about the image below you could say: This image shows a picturesque town on the sea.
There are probably millions of photos taken of this town from this exact spot and posted on Instagram. Therefore, it is certainly picturesque!
9. Breathtaking
Breathtaking means something that takes your breath away. Like stun, it is a powerful word because it creates such a strong image in your mind – you can imagine what it would feel like to have your breath taken away.
Take this image for example:
This is a cave that is open to the ocean. If you discovered this place on the beach, it would be breathtaking. So, you could say: This is a breathtaking image that shows a cave that is open to the ocean.
10. Glamorous
Glamorous means beautiful in an exciting way. It is a word usually used to describe celebrities like movie stars and athletes. You can also use it to describe places.
For example, about the image below you could say: This image shows a glamorous hotel with many expensive cars parked outside.
How to Learn More Vocabulary for the Duolingo English Test
On our YouTube channel, we have a bunch more videos in which you can learn more vocabulary that will help you get a higher score on the Duolingo English Test.
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