graceful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "graceful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is elegant, smooth, or pleasing in movement or appearance. Example: "The dancer's movements were so graceful that the audience was captivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His personality (warm and funny in his book) is his own; but the lengthened lines, the split extensions, the arched feet, the graceful arms and back, the whole magic package of strength and grace is Nureyev's legacy.

The Economist

He only thinks about the OBE that Tony Blair awarded him in the New Year when journalists ask about it: "You have to be graceful.

The Guardian - Film

One ambassadorial visit was to the "exquisite" home of the Regla family who my grandfather described as "perfect types of nobility – interested in everything, knowing about everything, and amazingly graceful".

The Guardian - Opinion

Nat, nine, is a more artistic, graceful boy who dances across the room like Billy Elliot and he's less like me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In my last column I wrote about Tesco's graceful exit from the ebook business, offloading its customers – and their precious libraries – to Kobo.

The Guardian - Books

It is, first of all, magnificent, a steel hypostyle in which the weight of the tower above your head comes to earth through a grove of graceful struts.

The Guardian - Arts

La Rambla leads to Plaça Cataluña and the elegant Eixample district (pronounced shampleh), where unique shops dwell in art nouveau buildings along the graceful Passeig de Gracia.

The Guardian - Travel

A one-night package at the hotel, including champagne, flowers, dinner and breakfast, costs from €300 per couple (00 33 5 46 35 40 32; hotel-de-toiras.com) 18. DORSET Famous as a location in the book and 1967 film of Far From the Madding Crowd, the graceful, almost circular, sweep of beach at Lulworth Cove is one of the most stunning in the UK.

The Guardian - Travel

But with Burnham's transformation, Mendes's picture abruptly moves to a different level, rich and rounded and graceful.

The Guardian - Film

Like its 2013 predecessor Old Yellow Moon, it's a lovely journey through their joint musical hinterland, featuring finely crafted songs, graceful harmonies and just a little bit of honky tonk.

The Guardian - Music

The turbine stands 100m tall, a slender, white steel pole with three graceful blades.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "graceful" to describe movements, designs, or actions that exhibit an effortless elegance and aesthetic appeal. For example, "The dancer's movements were incredibly graceful."

Common error

Avoid using "graceful" to describe situations that require strength or forcefulness, as it implies gentleness and ease. For example, it would be incorrect to describe a powerful tackle in football as "graceful."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "graceful" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something possessing elegance, smoothness, or beauty in form or movement. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples demonstrating how "graceful" enhances descriptions across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "graceful" functions as an adjective denoting elegance and beauty in movement, form, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across various contexts, primarily within news and media sources. The term carries a neutral to formal tone and is used to express admiration for aesthetic qualities. When writing, use "graceful" to describe actions or objects exhibiting effortless elegance, but avoid applying it to situations requiring forcefulness. Consider alternatives like "elegant" or "refined" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Elegant

Emphasizes refined beauty and style.

Refined

Highlights sophistication and polish.

Poised

Stresses balance and composure in movement or manner.

Fluid

Focuses on the smoothness and ease of movement.

Lithe

Suggests flexibility and agility.

Agile

Highlights quickness and nimbleness.

Supple

Implies flexibility and ease of movement, particularly in a physical sense.

Artful

Highlights the skill and artistry involved in graceful execution.

Stylish

Focuses on fashionable or elegant appearance.

Dainty

Emphasizes delicacy and elegance, often in a small or refined way.

FAQs

How can I use "graceful" in a sentence?

You can use "graceful" to describe something or someone exhibiting elegance or beauty of movement, form, or expression. For example, "The ballerina's movements were incredibly graceful." or "The bridge had a graceful design."

What can I say instead of "graceful"?

You can use alternatives like "elegant", "refined", or "poised" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "graceful" or "gracile"?

"Graceful" refers to elegance or beauty in movement or form, while "gracile" refers to slenderness or slightness. Use "graceful" to describe someone moving with elegance, and "gracile" to describe a slender build.

What's the difference between "graceful" and "gracious"?

"Graceful" describes elegance in movement or form, while "gracious" describes courtesy and kindness. A dancer can be "graceful", while a host can be "gracious".