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Beau vs Fiance - What's the difference?

beau | fiance |

As nouns the difference between beau and fiance

is that beau is a man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop while fiancé is a man who is engaged to be married.

As a proper noun Beau

is a given name used since mid-twentieth century.

As a verb fiance is

to betroth; to affiance.

beau

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • (dated) A man with a reputation for fine dress and etiquette; a dandy or fop.
  • * 1811 , Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility , chapter 21
    • “I do not comprehend the meaning of the word. But this I can say, that if he ever was a beau before he married, he is one still, for there is not the smallest alteration in him.”
    “Oh! dear! one never thinks of married mens’(SIC) being beaux —they have something else to do.”
  • (dated) A male lover; a boyfriend.
  • * 1917 , Kate Douglas Wiggin, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm , p. 142:
    • Hannah's beau takes all her time 'n' thought, and when she gits a husband her mother'll be out o' sight and out o' mind.
  • * 2009 , Philippa Bourke, Monsters and Critics [http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1518335.php/Kristin-Davis-takes-cover-on-beach-with-beau#ixzz0ZRsqa5SS], Dec 10, 2009:
    • Kristin Davis has taken time out to enjoy the surf and sand with her Australian beau , photographer Russell James.
  • A male escort.

    • See also

    * beau- * beautiful * Beau

    References

    * English nouns with irregular plurals ----

    fiance

    English

    Alternative forms

    * fiance

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A man who is engaged to be married.
  • A person engaged to be married.
  • * 2009 , B. R. Laine, Tales from Suffolk County , page 107:
    • West said that she was proud of their relationship and is looking forward to meeting his fiancé .

    Usage notes

    * Traditionally, the spelling fiancé is used for a man who is engaged, with being the female counterpart. (This is a reflection of the corresponding distinction in French.)

    See also

    * engage * marriage

    Anagrams

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