ENGLISH
REFERENCE

elegance

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɛɫəɡəns// UK //ˈɛlɪɡəns// el·e·gance Archaic

n. the quality of being graceful and attractive in appearance or behavior. It also describes something that is simple but very effective.

n. the quality of being graceful, stylish, and refined in appearance or manner. Often refers to a solution or idea that is pleasingly ingenious and simple.


SIMPLE

She is known for the quiet elegance of her clothes.

CONTEXTUAL

The architect was praised for the structural elegance of the bridge, which used minimal materials to achieve maximum strength.

COMPLEX

Mathematical elegance is often found in proofs that reach a profound conclusion through a series of surprisingly simple and logical steps.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French élégance, from Latin ēlegantia (“exquisiteness; refinement, elegance”).

Usage

Uncountable in its abstract sense; can be used with 'of' to describe a specific quality.

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