What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elegant
Example
She looked elegant in her black evening gown. [elegant: adjective]
Example
The hotel lobby had an elegant decor with marble floors and chandeliers. [elegant: noun]
Example
He spoke with an elegant accent and impeccable manners. [elegant: adjective]
graceful
Example
The ballerina performed a graceful dance on stage. [graceful: adjective]
Example
The bridge had a graceful arch that blended well with the natural surroundings. [graceful: adjective]
Example
She handled the situation with a graceful diplomacy that diffused the tension. [graceful: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graceful is less common than elegant in everyday language. Elegant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while graceful is more specific and often used in artistic or creative fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elegant and graceful?
Elegant is often used in formal contexts, such as business or fashion, while graceful can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as social interactions or personal relationships.
