First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
elegant
adjective el·e·gant \ˈe-li-gənt\
: showing good taste : graceful and attractive
: simple and clever
Full Definition of ELEGANT
1
: marked by elegance <elegant clothes> <an elegant solution>
2
: of a high grade or quality : splendid <elegant gems priced at hundreds of thousands of dollars>
— el·e·gant·ly adverb
See elegant defined for English-language learners
See elegant defined for kids
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Origin of ELEGANT
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin elegant-, elegans; akin to Latin eligere to select — more at elect
Related to ELEGANT
Synonym Discussion of ELEGANT
choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.
choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.
ELEGANT Defined for Kids
elegant
adjective el·e·gant \ˈe-li-gənt\
Definition of ELEGANT for Kids
: showing good taste : having or showing beauty and refinement <an elegant room>
— el·e·gant·ly adverb
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