'beauty' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'beaute', which itself comes from Late Latin formations ultimately related to the Latin adjective 'bellus' meaning 'pretty' or 'handsome'.

'beauty' changed from Old French 'beaute' (borrowed into Middle English as 'beaute'/'beauty') and eventually became the modern English word 'beauty'. The Old French form was influenced by Latin roots ('bellus' and related formations).

Initially it was tied closely to the idea of 'prettiness' or 'handsomeness' (from Latin 'bellus'); over time it developed into a broader noun meaning 'the quality that gives pleasure to the senses or mind', which is the current main usage.