Elegance is a beautiful word that can be a bit tricky to spell. The i-g-n sound in the middle of the word is spelled with the letters a-n-c-e. So to spell elegance, it's e-l-e-g-a-n-c-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈɛləɡəns/, with the stress on the first syllable. This word refers to gracefulness and refinement, qualities that are highly admired in our culture. Mastering the spelling of elegance can add some elegance to your writing!
Elegance is a noun referring to a quality or attribute characterized by gracefulness, beauty, refinement, and sophistication. It denotes the state or quality of being tasteful, stylish, and characterized by an understated beauty that is often associated with simplicity and grace. Elegance encompasses a sense of dignity, poise, and subtlety in appearance, behavior, or design.
In terms of personal style and clothing, elegance refers to a polished and tasteful fashion sense, often involving well-fitted and tailored garments that exude a sense of refinement. It often emphasizes simplicity over excessive ornamentation, with a focus on clean lines, classical shapes, and quality materials.
Elegance extends beyond mere appearance and fashion, also encompassing one's mannerisms, speech, and overall behavior. It implies a certain level of sophistication and tactfulness, whereby individuals conduct themselves with grace, dignity, and courtesy, reflecting a cultivated sense of refinement.
Additionally, elegance can be associated with the aesthetic qualities of art, literature, architecture, and design. It implies a thoughtful simplicity, harmonious proportions, and an intuitive understanding of beauty, often characterized by a restrained and tasteful approach.
Overall, elegance connotes an inherent sense of style and gracefulness that transcends trends and fads, embodying a timeless quality that remains captivating and appealing.
Rarely.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "elegance" originated from the Latin word "elegantia", which emerged during the late 15th century. It was derived from the Latin adjective "elegans", meaning "tasteful" or "choice". The Latin word itself traces back to the verb "eligere", which combines "e-" (meaning "out") and "legere" (meaning "to choose" or "to select"). Over time, "elegantia" evolved into "elegance" in English, retaining its original sense of refined taste and sophistication.