Elegance
/ˈɛl.ɪ.ɡəns/noun
The quality of being graceful, refined, and stylish in appearance or manner.
Did you know?Elegance comes through Latin elegans, originally meaning “tasteful” or “choosing well,” from the verb eligere, so the word’s hidden power is not magic but selection: the ability to pick what stands out.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leg-
“to gather, collect, choose”
Latin
Latin
legere
“to gather, pick out, read”
Latin
Latin
eligere
“to choose out, select”
Latin
Latin
elegans
“tasteful, refined, choice”
Old French
Old French
elegance
“refinement, grace, fine style”
Modern English
English
elegance
“graceful refinement in style or manner”
Explore more surprising origins