Gracefully: meaning, definitions and examples

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gracefully

[ˈɡreɪsfəli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

movement

In a graceful and elegant manner.

Synonyms

elegantly, graciously, smoothly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gracefully	Used to describe movements or actions that are smooth and attractive, often related to dance or physical activities. She danced gracefully across the stage. The swan moved gracefully on the lake.
elegantly	Typically describes something that is stylish, tasteful, and sophisticated. Commonly used for fashion, decor, and behavior. She was dressed elegantly for the gala. The room was elegantly decorated for the event.
smoothly	Refers to actions or processes that occur without interruptions, problems, or resistance. Often used in operational or technical settings. The event went smoothly thanks to good planning. The car's engine runs smoothly.
graciously	Denotes a polite, kind, and courteous manner, often in the context of hospitality or responding to compliments. She graciously thanked everyone for their help. He accepted the award graciously.

Examples of usage

She moved gracefully across the dance floor.
The ballerina performed the routine gracefully.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

appearance

Having or showing grace or elegance.

Synonyms

elegant, poised, refined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gracefully	Used to describe someone who moves in a smooth and attractive way or behaves in a respectful and kind manner. She danced gracefully across the stage. He gracefully accepted the criticism.
elegant	Typically used to describe someone or something that is stylish, sophisticated, and attractive. The bride looked elegant in her white gown. He has an elegant solution to the problem.
poised	Used for someone who is calm, confident, and self-assured, often in a challenging situation. She remained poised during the interview. He is always poised to handle any crisis.
refined	Used to describe someone with well-developed manners, culture, or taste, often implying sophistication and delicacy. She has a very refined taste in art. His manners are very refined and courteous.

Examples of usage

She had a gracefully slender figure.
The swan glided across the lake with a gracefully arched neck.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'gratia', which means 'favor' or 'thanks', reflecting harmony and beauty.
The suffix '-fully' indicates having a quality, so 'gracefully' means full of grace.
The term has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe elegant movements.

Art and Literature

In art, graceful figures often portray beauty and tranquility, found in classical sculptures and paintings.
Writers frequently use the term to describe characters’ movements or actions that evoke admiration, enhancing emotional impact.
Ballet is a prime example of graceful movement, where dancers combine athleticism and artistry.

Cultural References

Many cultures celebrate graceful movements in dance, such as ballet in Western culture or traditional dances in Asia and Africa.
In contemporary media, graceful performances are often featured in movies and competitions, highlighting elegance and skill.
'Graceful' behavior is admired in many cultures, symbolizing poise and dignity in challenging situations.

Psychology

Studies show that graceful movements can evoke positive emotional responses from observers, making them feel calmer and more relaxed.
Elegant body language is often associated with confidence and can influence how others perceive us in social interactions.
Learning to move gracefully can enhance one's self-esteem and the way they carry themselves in public.

Sports

Gymnastics showcases grace, as athletes perform routines that require both strength and fluidity.
Figure skating is another sport where graceful movements are critical, combining balance, artistry, and technical skill.
Sports commentary often praises athletes for their grace under pressure, acknowledging their composure and fluidity in performance.

Translations

Translations of the word "gracefully" in other languages:

🇵🇹 graciosamente

🇮🇳 सौम्यता से

🇩🇪 graziös

🇮🇩 dengan anggun

🇺🇦 граціозно

🇵🇱 gracją

🇯🇵 優雅に

🇫🇷 gracieusement

🇪🇸 graciosamente

🇹🇷 zarif bir şekilde

🇰🇷 우아하게

🇸🇦 برشاقة

🇨🇿 graciézně

🇸🇰 graciózne

🇨🇳 优雅地

🇸🇮 graciozno

🇮🇸 tignarlega

🇰🇿 әсемдікпен

🇬🇪 ელეგანტურად

🇦🇿 zərifliklə

🇲🇽 graciosamente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,955, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13952 sanity
13953 errand
13954 brewing
13955 gracefully
13956 quenched
13957 politeness
13958 unreal
...