秀 means 'elegant,' 'refined,' or 'outstanding' — often implying natural talent or graceful excellence. 丽 means 'beautiful,' 'lovely,' or 'gorgeous,' with a classical, poetic nuance. Together, 秀丽 forms an adjective meaning 'gracefully beautiful' — emphasizing delicate, refined beauty rather than bold or flamboyant appeal. It is most commonly used to describe natural scenery (mountains, rivers, gardens) or traditional architecture, evoking harmony, serenity, and quiet charm.

This word carries a literary and slightly formal tone; it appears frequently in travel writing, poetry, and descriptive prose. While it can occasionally describe people — especially women — its primary domain is landscapes and cultural settings. Unlike more general terms like 漂亮 (piào liang), 秀丽 suggests aesthetic refinement and natural elegance, not just visual appeal. It is rarely used for modern urban scenes or abstract concepts.