Elegant
ˈɛlɪɡənt
Definitions
2 meaningsPleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
ˈɛlɪɡənt
Graceful and refined in appearance or behavior.
She wore an elegant dress to the wedding.
💡 Simply: Think of a fancy party where everyone's wearing beautiful clothes and acting in a graceful way. 'Elegant' describes that sense of stylish and refined beauty!
👶 For kids: When something looks fancy and beautiful, like a princess's dress or a fancy car, that's elegant!
More Examples
The restaurant had an elegant atmosphere.
His elegant manners impressed everyone.
How It's Used
"The designer showcased an elegant gown for the gala."
"The building featured elegant arches and columns."
Showing good taste; graceful.
ˈɛlɪɡənt
Characterized by or displaying good taste, grace, and beauty.
The architect designed an elegant bridge.
💡 Simply: Imagine a problem solved in a super clever and simple way – something that feels really 'smart' and also looks good. 'Elegant' is a bit like that!
👶 For kids: When something is clever and does the job in a really pretty way. Like drawing a picture of the sun using only circles! That would be elegant!
More Examples
The proof of the theorem was surprisingly elegant.
The code was written in an elegant way.
How It's Used
"The software had an elegant solution to a complex problem."
"The painting displayed an elegant composition."
Idioms & expressions
Elegant solution
A solution that is simple, effective, and aesthetically pleasing, often in a technical or design context.
"The programmers found an elegant solution to the problem."
Elegant simplicity
The state of being both refined and uncomplicated; sophisticated in its lack of complexity.
"The minimalist design embraced elegant simplicity."
From Latin *ēlegāns* (refined, tasteful), from *ēligere* (to choose, select), suggesting a careful selection of qualities that make something graceful and stylish. The term's usage dates back to the 16th century, evolving from describing refined taste to encompassing various forms of grace and beauty.
The word gained prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries with the rise of courtly manners and neoclassical art, emphasizing grace and refined taste.
Memory tip
Imagine an *elite* athlete, graceful in every movement. *Elegant* implies that type of effortless style.