Here are some of the results of the most beautiful English words, as voted for by English learners from non-English-speaking countries. Each word is accompanied by an illustration to give a visual representation of each type of beauty.
A survey conducted by the British Council among 40,000 overseas English learners revealed that "Mother" was voted as the most beautiful English word from among 70 other English words. This survey was conducted in conjunction with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of its establishment.
The British Association had sought 7,000 English learners in 46 countries to inquire about the most beautiful English words that they may have considered. Additionally, the British Council also sought the views of non-English speaking countries via its website. Over 35,000 people from the non-speaking countries participated in the online poll, including 3500 votes from China.
Below are 50 of the most beautiful English words out of a total of 70. They are arranged from the most to the fewest votes.
Outstanding job. These are some of my favorite words too, and beautiful illustrations. Thank you.
#3 by b. radley, Feb 22, 2008
beautiful article. thank you.
#4 by Anne Lyken-Garner, Feb 22, 2008
The illustrations go very well with your chosen words. Good job.
#5 by Joe50342, Feb 22, 2008
Nice article.
#6 by have not any, Feb 22, 2008
i dont think this are even near but when they said beautiful what did they really meant what kind of beauty word meaning feeling it depends on so many things
#7 by valli, Feb 22, 2008
Great article! Wonderful pictures.
#8 by IcyCucky, Mar 4, 2008
Very creative article..
#9 by Jo, Mar 9, 2008
Wow, beautiful pictures and words.
Fantastic.
#10 by Liane Schmidt, Mar 12, 2008
I love your articles Chan. They just get better and better. It's like seeing the world through your eyes when you add pictures as well. This article warmed my heart through and through - it was a wonderful way to start my day and it helps get my creative energy flowing so thank you!
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
#11 by zach, May 22, 2008
I dont see how "if" is a beautiful word.
#12 by j r r tolkien, Jun 1, 2008
I think it's "cellar door".
#13 by Grace, Jun 6, 2008
I really like it , and the 50 words also are my favorite.
#14 by laraina, Jul 19, 2008
zach- some people are so oppressed they don't have anything that stands for possiblitiy in their culture. if means possibility and hoping for something, probablly something better. we can talk about our possibilities whenever we want in our language.
jrr tolken-somebody's seen donnie darko
#15 by Himanshu Gupta, Sep 12, 2008
This is so Fantastic...........
#16 by Susan, Sep 22, 2008
I am English-speaking only and find this article fascinating...
#17 by dave, Oct 22, 2008
My vote goes to 'Willow', it has to be the most beautiful word in the english language. Earlier suggestions have been cellar door, windowsill and others...;)
#18 by Kim, Nov 11, 2008
what about the words beautiful and beauty?
#19 by Brian, Dec 2, 2008
Please don't discard 'mercy', 'forgiveness', 'grace' and 'salvation'! And what of 'prayer' and 'thanksgiving'?
#20 by Laura, Jan 6, 2009
I found out about this article from my English teacher and I was very happy to read it.It is absolutely fantastic to be able to read it.And people who don't understand the meanings of these words shouldn't read it.Great work!!!!
