elegant

Definitions

e- (out) + leg (pick, choose) + -ant (adj.) = 'picked out, chosen with care.' Originally it described a person of refined, choosy taste — someone who selects well. Hence both 'gracefully refined' and the prized 'elegant solution': not fancy, but exactly the right choice with nothing wasted.

Why It Means This

Surprisingly, elegant is built on the 'choose' root. Latin elegans first meant 'choosy, picky' — and at first it was almost an insult, suggesting fussiness. It softened into 'tasteful, refined,' praising someone whose careful choices showed good judgement. That history is why we still admire an 'elegant solution': it is the choice a discerning mind would pick — clean, economical, exactly right.

Common Collocations

• 1.elegant solution优雅的方案
• 2.elegant design雅致的设计
• 3.effortlessly elegant毫不费力的优雅
• 4.elegant dress雅致的礼服

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She wore an elegant black dress to the gala.

• 2.

  The proof is short and remarkably elegant.