Etymology Map
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Elegant

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means graceful and stylish

Where does the word "elegant" come from? It comes from Latin elegans, passing through French before entering English (1480s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
elegans
Latin · ancient
"choosy, refined"
from 'eligere', to pick out, the root of 'elect'
2
Stage 2 of 3
elegant
French · 1400s
"refined"
Latin 'elegans' was first a term of reproach meaning fussy or fastidious, from 'eligere', to choose carefully
3
Stage 3 of 3
elegant
English · 1480s
"refined"
a mathematical proof can also be 'elegant'
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Read the full story

Elegant’s story begins in Latin: elegans meant “choosy, refined.” From 'eligere', to pick out, the root of 'elect'. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as elegant. Latin 'elegans' was first a term of reproach meaning fussy or fastidious, from 'eligere', to choose carefully. It reached English by 1480s as elegant. A mathematical proof can also be 'elegant'. Today, elegant means graceful and stylish.