Elegant Meaning
Elegant Definition & Usage
Refined, tasteful, and graceful in appearance, behavior, or manner. Often associated with simplicity and subtle beauty.
Examples
- "She wore an elegant black dress that made her look effortlessly stylish."
- "The wedding ceremony was elegant, with soft music playing and beautifully arranged flowers."
- "His elegant manners made him popular at social gatherings."
- "The house was elegant, with classic furniture and rich, muted colors."
- "Her graceful and elegant movements captivated everyone at the dance."
Refined and pleasing in design or style, often with an emphasis on simplicity and understated beauty.
Examples
- "The new building was elegant, featuring clean lines and a minimalist design."
- "They chose elegant wedding invitations with a simple, tasteful font."
- "The hotel's décor was elegant, with polished wood and sleek, modern furniture."
- "He admired the elegant layout of the magazine, with plenty of white space and balanced text."
- "Her office was designed in an elegant style, with modern art pieces and a neutral color palette."
Showing refined taste or high social standing, especially in communication or conduct.
Examples
- "His elegant speech at the gala impressed everyone in the room."
- "She responded with an elegant nod, acknowledging the compliment without boasting."
- "The diplomat’s elegant way of handling delicate topics earned him respect."
- "He showed an elegant patience when dealing with difficult clients."
- "Her graceful and elegant approach to leadership was admired by all."
Cultural Context
The word 'elegant' has roots in the Latin word 'elegans,' meaning 'choice' or 'select,' referring to something or someone distinguished by taste, refinement, and grace. Over time, the word has been used to describe both people and things that exhibit sophistication, especially in appearance, design, and behavior.
A Dance of Elegance
Story
A Dance of Elegance
At the grand opening of the newly renovated Astor Ballroom, Lily stood near the entrance, adjusting the folds of her elegant gown. The evening was to be a celebration of not just the venue's refurbishment, but also of all things sophisticated, and Lily was the epitome of elegance. Her gown, a flowing sea-blue silk, shimmered under the soft golden glow of the chandeliers, its design simple yet mesmerizing. The cut was refined—sleek and understated—and it was clear that Lily had chosen it not to draw attention, but to exude an effortless grace. She moved toward the center of the ballroom, her presence noted by all in the room. Her graceful movements were a natural extension of her elegance; even the way she spoke was measured and polite, showing no sign of the nerves that tingled at her fingertips. As she conversed with the guests, her elegant speech—filled with gentle, thoughtful pauses—seemed to match the room’s opulence. As the night progressed, the spotlight turned to the unveiling of the ballroom's latest design features. The architect had designed the space with the utmost elegance, focusing on clean lines, exquisite furniture, and a seamless flow between the rooms. The modern touches of chrome and glass added a contemporary flair without disturbing the elegant aura. By the time the event reached its conclusion, Lily had danced several times, her movements in perfect harmony with the music, as if the rhythm of the night had been written for her. The evening had been a perfect example of how elegance could transcend from appearance to behavior to design, all working in unison to create an unforgettable experience.
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