Graceful
/ˈɡreɪs.fəl/noun
Having elegance, beauty, or smoothness of movement or form.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *gratia*, “favor” or “thanks,” the same root behind *gracious* and *gratitude*, so its beauty began as a spiritual and social blessing, not just a style word.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gwere-
“to favor, welcome, or be pleasing”
Latin
Latin
grātia
“favor, goodwill, thanks”
Old French
Old French
grace
“favor, mercy, charm, elegance”
Middle English
English
grace
“divine favor; elegance; courtesy”
14th Century
English
graceful
“full of grace; pleasing in form or movement”
Modern English
English
graceful
“elegant, smooth, and pleasing in appearance or movement”