Bijou is a word that has been used in the English language for centuries. It is a term that is often associated with something small, delicate, and precious. However, the meaning of bijou goes beyond just its size and value. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bijou, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Bijou is a French word that means “jewel” or “gem”. It is often used to describe something that is small and elegant, such as a piece of jewelry or a small decorative object. However, bijou can also refer to a small and intimate theater or cinema.
Origin
The word bijou comes from the French language, where it has been used for centuries to describe small, precious objects. The word is derived from the Old French word “bigon”, which means “small box”. It was first used in English in the 17th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bijou means “a small, elegant, and tasteful item of jewelry or other decorative object”. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a small and delicately worked piece of jewelry”. The Cambridge Dictionary describes bijou as “a small, attractive, and often expensive object, especially a piece of jewelry”.
Associations
Bijou is often associated with luxury, elegance, and sophistication. It is a term that is used to describe something that is small but valuable and precious. Bijou is also associated with the arts, particularly theater and cinema, as it is often used to describe small and intimate venues.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bijou include:
- Jewel.
- Gem.
- Trinket.
- Bauble.
- Ornament.
- Adornment.
- Knick-knack.
- Curio.
- Keepsake.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of bijou include:
- Large.
- Clumsy.
- Unattractive.
- Cheap.
- Gaudy.
- Tacky.
- Tasteless.
- Kitschy.
- Vulgar.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as bijou include:
- Bigon – Old French for “small box”.
- Biju – Hindi for “jewel”.
- Bijouterie – French for “jewelry store”.
- Bijoutry – English for “jewelry”.
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use the word bijou in a sentence:
- She wore a beautiful bijou necklace to the party.
- The theater was a bijou venue that only seated 50 people.
- The antique shop had a selection of bijou curios on display.
- The hotel room was small but bijou, with elegant furnishings and a stunning view.
- The ring was a bijou masterpiece, with a delicate band and a sparkling diamond.