define elegance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "define elegance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the concept of elegance in various contexts, such as art, design, or personal style. For example, "In her essay, she aims to define elegance in modern architecture." Alternative expressions include "describe elegance" and "explain elegance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"After you define music for me, I will try to define elegance," he said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

William Newsome, the co-chair of President Obama's recent BRAIN Initiative, defined elegance by its inverse: "Baroque".

The New Yorker

What defines elegance to you? Bouchoucha: Class, intelligence, beauty, knowledge, wit and humor are all parts of elegance to me.

HuffPost

But she did so with an impossible-to-define elegance that turned hardened handicappers into lovesick, weak-kneed school kids.

The New York Times - Books

One had a full skirt printed with Christian Dior's maxim, defining "elegance" as the right combination of crucial factors, including "naturalness and simplicity".

The New York Times

They defined aesthetic elegance in the 20th century and in many ways still do in the 21st.

The New York Times - Arts

Fashion, according to Fraser, is not necessarily defined by elegance or refinement, but by those qualities, such as individuality and novelty, which seem to disrupt the status quo.

The New Yorker

Combined into one hotel, the famous Waldorf-Astoria defined the elegance of the Gilded Age.

Forbes

THUMP: Describe each other's styles in one sentence Pixie: The most charismatic, intelligent, energetic, loving, accepting, fun, raging rabbit there ever was! Papa Rage: She defines humble elegance.

Vice

Sade is a pop diva, of a sort; but the qualities that define her divadom -- elegance, subtlety, mystery -- are not those enshrined by VH1's "Divas Live" specials.

The New York Times - Arts

Porter's homosexuality is the news at the center of Irwin Winkler's latest film, "De-Lovely," which stars Kevin Kline as Porter and Ashley Judd as Linda, his wife of thirty-five yeand, and which manages somehow to tell Porter's story without any of the three stylistic ingredients that defined him: rhythm, elegance, and wit.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Specify whose definition you are referencing. Is it a personal definition, a dictionary definition, or a definition from a specific field or expert?

Common error

Avoid providing a definition of elegance that is too broad or subjective. Ensure your definition includes specific, measurable, or observable characteristics to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "define elegance" functions as an imperative phrase, prompting the act of providing a definition for the abstract concept of elegance. As suggested by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "define elegance" is a grammatically sound and conceptually rich expression used to prompt or explore the meaning of elegance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is rare, the phrase appears predominantly in news and media sources, reflecting its role in discussions about style, aesthetics, and quality. To ensure clarity when using the phrase, it's crucial to specify the context and source of the definition, avoiding overgeneralizations. Considering alternatives like "elucidate elegance" or "explain what elegance means" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide a definition of elegance

Uses a more formal tone by using "provide a definition".

explain what elegance means

Rephrases the query to directly ask for an explanation of elegance.

offer an explanation of elegance

Similar to "explain what elegance means", but more formal.

what constitutes elegance

Asks what the necessary components of elegance are.

elucidate elegance

Focuses on making the concept of elegance clear and easy to understand.

describe the essence of elegance

Focuses on capturing the core or most important aspect of elegance.

what does elegance entail

Shifts the focus to the elements and characteristics that elegance comprises.

interpret the meaning of elegance

Focuses on understanding the underlying significance of elegance.

how do you characterize elegance

Emphasizes the process of describing the qualities of elegance.

analyze the concept of elegance

Suggests a more in-depth and critical examination of elegance.

FAQs

What is a simple way to define elegance?

Elegance can be simply defined as refined grace and stylish appearance or behavior. However, the specifics can vary greatly depending on context.

How does the definition of elegance vary across different fields?

In fashion, elegance might refer to classic and timeless style. In mathematics, it could describe a solution that is both simple and effective. Understanding the context is crucial when you "define elegance".

What are some related concepts to consider when trying to "define elegance"?

Concepts like sophistication, refinement, grace, and simplicity are often intertwined with elegance. Exploring these related ideas can help clarify your definition.

Can you "define elegance" subjectively, or is it always objective?

While there are some objective elements, such as attention to detail and harmony, elegance often carries a degree of subjectivity. Personal taste and cultural norms can influence perceptions of elegance.