elegance

[el-i-guhns]

noun

1. elegant quality.

   elegance of dress.

2. something elegant; a refinement.

elegance

/ ˈɛlɪɡəns /

noun

1. dignified grace in appearance, movement, or behaviour

2. good taste in design, style, arrangement, etc

3. something elegant; a refinement

Other Word Forms

• hyperelegance noun
• overelegance noun
• superelegance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elegance¹

1500–10; < Middle French < Latin ēlegantia choiceness. See elegant, -ance

Example Sentences

In person, “Baltimore’s practiced elegance frames a fierce pride and a sometimes brutal intellect, softened only by his insistence that professional criticism be leavened by personal respect.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said: "I would consider it relatively, potentially not the most elegant move. But sometimes racing doesn't necessarily require elegance as long as you operate within the principles and the rules of the team."

From BBC

He was the archetype of Italian style and elegance, reimagining men's and women's suits for a modern audience.

From BBC

Thanks to its 1920s-era Spanish Revival buildings, arched colonnades and broad public promenades, visiting it feels like stepping back to a time when walkability and simple elegance were the norm.

From Los Angeles Times

And for eight years Michelle Obama stood as an icon of poise and elegance as First Lady.

From Salon

Related Words

• charm 
• delicacy 
• dignity 
• gentility 
• grace 
• grandeur 
• luxury 
• magnificence 
• nobility 
• purity 
• refinement 
• restraint 
• sophistication 
• splendor 
• style