Definition

1. Noun:
   • A refined quality of gracefulness and good taste: "Elegance" refers to a quality of being pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner, often associated with sophistication and cultivated taste.
   • A quality of neatness and ingenious simplicity: In problem-solving, especially in science, mathematics, or design, "elegance" denotes a solution or concept that is notably effective, simple, and clever.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Gracefulness and Taste):
  • She moved with an effortless elegance that captivated everyone in the room.
  • The interior design of the hotel was noted for its classic elegance and attention to detail.
• Noun (Neatness and Simplicity):
  • The elegance of the mathematical proof lay in its use of a single, unifying principle.
  • Engineers praised the elegance of the new bridge's design, which used minimal materials for maximum strength.

Advanced Usage

• "with elegance": in a graceful and tasteful manner.
  • He handled the difficult situation with great elegance and diplomacy.
• "of elegance": possessing the quality of elegance.
  • The ballroom was a scene of timeless elegance.

Variants and Related Words

• Elegant (adj): graceful and stylish in appearance or manner; pleasingly ingenious and simple.
  • She wore an elegant black dress to the gala.
  • The scientist proposed an elegant solution to the complex equation.

Synonyms

• Grace: smoothness and elegance of movement.
• Stylishness: fashionably elegant and sophisticated.
• Refinement: elegance or cultivation in taste, manners, or style.
• Simplicity (in the context of solutions): the quality of being easy to understand or uncomplicated.

Antonyms

• Inelegance: lack of elegance; awkwardness or coarseness.
• Clumsiness: awkward in movement or style; lacking grace.
• Vulgarity: lack of sophistication or good taste; coarseness.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The height of elegance": the epitome or ultimate example of grace and good taste.
  • The vintage car show was the height of elegance.
• "Understated elegance": a style of elegance that is subtle and not showy.
  • Her wedding dress was a perfect example of understated elegance.

Noun

1. a quality of neatness and ingenious simplicity in the solution of a problem (especially in science or mathematics)
   • the simplicity and elegance of his invention
2. a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
   • she conveys an aura of elegance and gentility