elegant
adjective
Synonyms
- classy
- courtly
- fine
- graceful
- handsome
- majestic
- refined
- stately
- tasteful
Example Sentences
J.s. Marcus, WSJ, 22 July 2022 No phrase of the exquisite 18th and 19th century, mostly French music was anything but elegant in the performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2022 Everything from the sumptuous carpeting to the drapery feels exceptionally elegant. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 14 June 2022 In the selfie, both Wilson and Agruma are seen looking elegant in black ensembles while out at dinner. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 9 June 2022 The on-sale wrap dress features a sheer Swiss-dot fabric that looks elegant, especially paired with the A-line pleats and matching fabric belt. Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2022 Sedums look surprisingly elegant in containers and need little watering. Carol Stocker, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2022 An egg chair with teardrop silhouette looks elegant in any setting. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 29 July 2022 Elevate your space with a statement sofa upholstered in jewel-tone velvet, or try the trend on throw pillows for a quick, elegant touch. Julianne Hilmes Bartlett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 July 2022 See More Word History
Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin elegant-, elegans; akin to Latin eligere to select — more at elect
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
elegant
adjective
elegant
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- graceful
- handsome
- luxurious
- classy
- fine
- stylish
- majestic
- magnificent
- tasteful
- glorious
- simple
- regal
- refined
- superb
- sophisticated
- royal
- aristocratic
- proud
- rich
- noble
- exquisite
- fashionable
- gallant
- courtly
- stately
- sleek
- ornate
- grand
- lavish
- quiet
- polished
- splendid
- heroic
- artful
- classic
- chic
- heroical
- monumental
- restrained
- imposing
- understated
- conservative
- genteel
- baronial
- posh
- smart
- swank
- patrician
- august
- ostentatious
- grandiose
- swanky
- modish
- pretentious
- in
- swagger
- snappy
- sharp
- affected
- recherché
- a la mode
- à la mode
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- inelegant
- unfashionable
- unhandsome
- tasteless
- flamboyant
- flashy
- dowdy
- graceless
- grotesque
- gaudy
- glitzy
- loud
- crude
- unstylish
- coarse
- tawdry
- tacky
- garish
- styleless
- raffish
- cheesy
- splashy
- vulgar
- trashy
- unpolished
- uncouth
- unrefined
- rude
- uncultured
- uncultivated
- ticky-tacky
- rough-edged
- rough-hewn
- ticky-tack
Synonyms & Similar Words
- exquisite
- rare
- fine
- select
- special
- delicate
- exceptional
- excellent
- dainty
- exclusive
- choice
- wonderful
- outstanding
- classic
- premium
- fancy
- fabulous
- superb
- great
- recherché
- better
- marvelous
- splendid
- bijou
- terrific
- noble
- elite
- sensational
- jewellike
- superior
- sterling
- superlative
- marvellous
- stellar
- grand
- transcendent
- unsurpassed
- top
- par excellence
- prime
- high-grade
- first-class
- first-rate
- top-notch
- supernal
- tip-top
- ultrarare
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- vulgar
- coarse
- kitschy
- popular
- unpolished
- raffish
- tasteless
- unrefined
- gross
- rough
- commercial
- ordinary
- common
- lowbrow
- kitsch
- uncultured
- uncultivated
- rough-hewn
- average
- mediocre
- lesser
- unsatisfactory
- unacceptable
- inferior
- mass-produced
- deficient
- substandard
- wanting
- run-of-the-mine
- run-of-the-mill
- second-rate
- second-class
- low-grade
- run-of-mine
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of elegant are choice, dainty, delicate, exquisite, and rare. While all these words mean "having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste," elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste.
In some situations, the words choice and elegant are roughly equivalent. However, choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind.
Although the words dainty and elegant have much in common, dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate.
The meanings of delicate and elegant largely overlap; however, delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility.
While in some cases nearly identical to elegant, exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste.
While the synonyms rare and elegant are close in meaning, rare suggests an uncommon excellence.