ENGLISH
REFERENCE

elves

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈɛɫvz// UK //ˈɛlvz// elves

n. small, magical people in stories who often have pointed ears and special powers. You might see them helping Santa Claus or living in a forest in a fantasy book.

n. plural form of 'elf'; refers to supernatural beings from folklore and fantasy literature, typically depicted as having pointed ears and magical abilities.


SIMPLE

The children believe that tiny elves live in the garden.

CONTEXTUAL

In many fantasy novels, elves are portrayed as immortal beings with a deep connection to nature and ancient magic.

COMPLEX

The mythic depiction of elves has evolved from the mischievous sprites of Germanic folklore into the tall, graceful, and highly skilled warriors found in modern high fantasy.

Synonyms
Usage

The plural form of 'elf'. Note the internal vowel change and the 'f' to 'v' shift common in certain Germanic-root nouns.

Pitfall

elfselvesThe plural of 'elf' follows the irregular pattern where the 'f' changes to 'v' before adding 'es'.

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