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elegance — the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈeləɡəns/

Example Sentences

  • The swan's elegance was undeniable, unlike my attempt at ballet which looked more like a dizzy chicken.
  • The old mansion retained its elegance despite decades of neglect.
  • He tried to eat spaghetti with elegance on his first date, but ended up wearing more sauce than he consumed.

elegance

NOUN

[/ˈeləɡəns/]

the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

The ballerina moved with effortless elegance across the stage.
💡 Concept

The ballerina moved with effortless elegance across the stage.

The swan floated across the lake with perfect elegance.
🧠 Mnemonic

The swan floated across the lake with perfect elegance.

Her elegance reflected excellence and inspired brilliance on the stage.
🎵 Rhyme

Her elegance reflected excellence and inspired brilliance on the stage.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈeləɡəns/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈelɪɡəns/

🌳Etymology

Rooteleg-
Suffix--ance

Origin

Elegance derives from Latin elegantia, which evolved from eligere meaning 'to select or choose.' The term originally referred to the quality of discernment in choosing what is fine or excellent, later developing to denote refined taste and graceful excellence.

Breakdown

e- (out) + -ligere (to choose/select) + -antia (quality/state) = elegantia, the quality of selecting what is excellent; the English -ance suffix replaces the Latin -antia ending.

🎵Rhyme

intelligence
arrogance
extravagance

🔗Collocations

natural elegance
simple elegance
timeless elegance
elegance and grace
effortless elegance
architectural elegance
with elegance

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The swan's elegance was undeniable, unlike my attempt at ballet which looked more like a dizzy chicken.”

“The old mansion retained its elegance despite decades of neglect.”

😄 Fun example

“He tried to eat spaghetti with elegance on his first date, but ended up wearing more sauce than he consumed.”

“The designer's work is known for its understated elegance.”

📚Related Words

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