elf
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for elf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A small, magical humanlike creature from folklore, often mischievous; in modern fantasy, a tall, graceful, immortal being.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use elf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Christmas elf
wood elf
elf ears
Etymology
From Old English ælf, from a Proto-Germanic root probably meaning "white" or "shining." The tall, noble elf of modern fantasy owes much to J.R.R. Tolkien's writing.
Full origin of elf →Frequently asked questions
What does “elf” mean?
The word “elf” means a small, magical humanlike creature from folklore, often mischievous; in modern fantasy, a tall, graceful, immortal being. In plain terms, a magical creature from folklore and fantasy stories — traditionally small and mischievous, but often tall and elegant in modern fantasy.
How do you pronounce “elf”?
“Elf” is pronounced ehlf (/ɛlf/ in IPA).
How do you use “elf” in a sentence?
Here is “elf” used in a sentence: “In the old stories, an elf might swap a human baby for one of its own.”
What part of speech is “elf”?
“Elf” is a noun.
Where does the word “elf” come from?
The word “elf” comes from Old English. From Old English ælf, from a Proto-Germanic root probably meaning "white" or "shining." The tall, noble elf of modern fantasy owes much to J.R.R. Tolkien's writing.
Is “elf” a common word?
“Elf” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between an elf in traditional folklore and an elf in modern fantasy?
In traditional folklore, an elf is typically a small, magical humanlike creature, often mischievous. In modern fantasy, such as in Tolkien-inspired fiction, an elf is usually reimagined as a tall, graceful, immortal being.
What is the difference between an elf and a fairy?
An elf is a humanlike magical being from folklore or fantasy, sometimes mischievous and sometimes noble and immortal. A fairy is a related but distinct folkloric creature, often smaller and more strongly associated with magic and nature, though the two terms overlap heavily in popular use.
What is the plural of "elf"?
The plural of "elf" is "elves," following the same pattern as words like "leaf" becoming "leaves."
