Words / B2

EL-ig-uh-nt/ˈelɪɡənt/

Elegant means graceful in looks, or neatly simple and effective: an elegant solution; elegant prose. Stylish is close for clothes; neat is weaker for proofs. Elaborate (already in the dictionary) can be the opposite of a simple elegant proof. Markers like an elegant argument, not padding. Do not call a messy lab write-up elegant.

Meaning

Graceful and attractive in style; also simple and effective.

Examples

• “An elegant proof is short; padding will not impress the marker.”
• “The foyer was elegant after the refit, which is the appearance sense.”

Good to know

an elegant solution / proof / design. Clothes: stylish. Opposite tone (prose): clumsy / elaborate padding. Maths and architecture. Not a synonym of expensive.

Near in meaning

stylish

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