elegant
0 antonyms and opposites of elegant, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
How to use elegant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French elegant, ultimately from Latin ēlegāns, related to ēligere ("to choose carefully") — the same root as "elect."
Full origin of elegant →Frequently asked questions
What does “elegant” mean?
The word “elegant” means graceful and stylish in appearance or manner. In plain terms, tastefully graceful, or (for an idea or design) cleverly simple without losing accuracy.
How do you pronounce “elegant”?
“Elegant” is pronounced EH-luh-guhnt (/ˈɛləɡənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “elegant” in a sentence?
Here is “elegant” used in a sentence: “She wore an elegant gown to the gala.”
What part of speech is “elegant”?
“Elegant” is an adjective.
Where does the word “elegant” come from?
The word “elegant” comes from Latin. From Middle French elegant, ultimately from Latin ēlegāns, related to ēligere ("to choose carefully") — the same root as "elect.".
Is “elegant” a common word?
“Elegant” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “elegant” have?
“Elegant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
What is the difference between elegant and stylish?
Stylish means fashionable and in line with current trends, while elegant suggests a graceful, refined, and understated good taste that is not tied to passing fashion. Something elegant looks polished and effortless, whereas something stylish looks trendy.
What is the difference between elegant and graceful?
Graceful describes smooth, attractive movement or form, while elegant combines that grace with refined style in appearance or manner. All elegant things have a sense of grace, but elegant adds an air of sophistication and good taste.
Can "elegant" describe a solution or idea?
Yes. Beyond appearance, elegant can describe a solution, proof, or idea that is neatly and cleverly simple, achieving a lot with little complication. Scientists and mathematicians often call a concise, effective method "elegant."
What are common collocations with elegant?
Elegant commonly pairs with words such as elegant dress, elegant design, elegant solution, and elegantly simple. It is used to praise both physical appearance and clever simplicity.