The word "graceful" is spelled with nine letters and is pronounced /ˈɡreɪsfʊl/. The word starts with the letter "g" and is followed by "r", "a", "c", "e", then "f", and ends with "u", "l". The phonetic transcription of this word indicates that it is pronounced with a long "a" sound in the first syllable and a short "u" sound in the second syllable. This word describes someone or something that is elegant, smooth, and graceful in movement or appearance.
Graceful is an adjective that describes something or someone possessing elegance, poise, and a certain charm in their movements, behaviors, or appearance. The term is often associated with effortless beauty, stylishness, and refinement, suggesting a combination of ease, harmony, and dignity.
In the context of physical movements, being graceful entails a smooth, controlled, and coordinated execution. It implies an inherent fluidity and balance, marked by a lack of clumsiness or abruptness. A graceful dancer, for example, effortlessly glides across the stage, taking each step with a gentle and controlled precision, captivating the audience with their seamless movements.
Beyond physical actions, the term also applies to character traits and behaviors. A person described as graceful possesses an innate sense of tact, kindness, and composure. They handle situations with finesse, displaying an ability to navigate difficult circumstances with poise and diplomacy. Graceful individuals often exhibit patience, empathy, and a sense of gratitude, making others feel comfortable and at ease in their presence.
In terms of appearance, graceful often implies a sense of cultivated beauty, where every aspect of one's appearance is carefully chosen and harmoniously coordinated. This may include the way they dress, carry themselves, or present their ideas. Graceful individuals often exude a sense of confidence and authenticity, effortlessly winning the admiration and respect of others.
Elegantly easy-used with reference to motion, looks, and speech; possessing an agreeable dignity of manner.
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 graceful has its origins in the Middle English term grace which came from Old French grace or grâce, ultimately derived from the Latin word gratia, meaning favor or kindness. Gratia in Latin also carried the connotations of beauty or charm. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to graceful, which originally referred to someone who possessed grace, elegance, or charm. The word graceful is a combination of grace (from Latin gratia) and the suffix -ful, meaning full of or characterized by.