bel esprit

[ bel es-pree ]

noun

, French.

, plural beaux es·prits [boh zes-, pree].

1. a person of great wit or intellect:

   He found this charming bel esprit, not among his university colleagues, but in the person of a young widow on the outskirts of town.

bel esprit

/ bɛl ɛspri /

noun

1. a witty or clever person

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel esprit¹

First recorded in 1630–40; French: literally, “fine mind, wittiness”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bel esprit¹

literally: fine wit

Example Sentences

What we commonly understand in French by "esprit," "bel-esprit," "trait d'esprit," are—ingenious thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

One evening he took me with him to a literary renion, at which every bel-esprit of the capital was to be present.

From Project Gutenberg

Madame de Pompadour joked my companion about her 'bel-esprit', but sometimes she reposed confidence in her.

From Project Gutenberg

There was the blue-stocking lady, a mature belle and bel-esprit.

From Project Gutenberg

Well might the weary courtiers cry out against les galeres du bel esprit.

From Project Gutenberg