elegant

UK: /ˈel.ɪ.ɡənt/ | US: /ˈel.ə.ɡənt/

Definition

  1. adj. graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

  2. adj. pleasingly ingenious and simple (e.g., an elegant solution)

  3. adj. refined or dignified in taste, design, or behavior

Structure
eleg <select>ant <adjective suffix>eleg <select>ant <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "elegant" traces back to 15th-century French élégant, from Latin elegāns (tasteful, refined). Its core idea of "careful selection" (eleg-) evolved to connote aesthetic refinement and sophistication. The suffix -ant solidified its role as an adjective describing polished excellence.

Examples

  1. She wore an elegant black dress to the gala.

  2. The mathematician found an elegant proof for the theorem.

  3. His elegant manners impressed everyone at the dinner party.

  4. The hotel’s lobby was decorated in an elegant minimalist style.

  5. The script’s elegant dialogue captured the essence of the era.