German Conversation · Level 7
88 words
German word
elegant
Pronunciation
IPA/eleˈgant/
Meaning
- adjectiveelegant
Example
Sie trägt ein elegantes Kleid.
She is wearing an elegant dress.
More examples
Er fand eine elegante Formulierung für die Kritik.
He found an elegant formulation for the criticism.
Core concept
A clean, well-proportioned design that looks refined without calling attention to its decoration.
Common phrases
ein elegantes Erscheinungsbild
an elegant appearance
eine elegante Formulierung
an elegant formulation
ein elegantes Argument
an elegant argument
Similar words
stilvoll: Tasteful and harmonious in appearance or conduct, with an air of class.
geschmackvoll: Showing good taste through pleasing colors, shapes, or decoration.
edel: Luxurious and polished, with a high-quality, distinguished appearance.
schick: Stylish and well-groomed, suited to current fashion or the occasion.
Definition in German
Elegant beschreibt ein zurückhaltend schönes, stilvolles Auftreten oder Aussehen, das nicht protzig wirkt.
Word origin
German elegant comes through French élégant from Latin elegans, meaning select or tasteful, and is ultimately related to eligere, meaning to choose.
Usage tips
- Elegant is a neutral-to-formal compliment that can describe a solution, argument, design, or movement as well as clothing or appearance.
Other meanings
- gracefuladjective
- sophisticatedadjective
Opposites
- ungehobeltuncouthadjective
- unbeholfenawkwardadjective
Related words
- Eleganzelegancenoun
- eleganterweiseelegantlyadverb