Inelegance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inelegance
[หษชnหษlษชษกษns ]
Definition
lack of grace
Inelegance refers to the quality or state of lacking grace or elegance. It is the opposite of elegance and is often associated with clumsiness or awkwardness in behavior, movement, or appearance.
Synonyms
awkwardness, clumsiness, ungracefulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inelegance |
Describes something or someone lacking refinement or grace in appearance or style. Often used in a more formal context to criticize design, fashion, or artwork.
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| clumsiness |
Describes physical movements that are uncoordinated or prone to accidents. Often used to describe a person's tendency to drop things or bump into objects.
|
| awkwardness |
Refers to a situation or person that is uncomfortable or causing discomfort. Often used to describe social interactions or physical movements that cause embarrassment or confusion.
|
| ungracefulness |
Refers to a lack of smoothness or elegance in movement or behavior. Often used to describe someone's actions or the way they carry themselves.
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Examples of usage
- The inelegance of his manners was evident in the way he slurped his soup.
- Her outfit was stylish but marred by a touch of inelegance in the mismatched accessories.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art and Design
- In art, inelegance can sometimes serve as a critique of traditional standards of beauty, showcasing rawness and honesty.
- The movement known as 'anti-aesthetic' intentionally embraces inelegance to challenge societal norms about beauty and perfection.
Social Etiquette
- In communication, inelegance can refer to a lack of polish in speech, making it seem unrefined or abrupt.
- Socially, showing inelegance in behavior might lead to judgments about one's upbringing or education.
Literature
- Writers often use characters embodying inelegance to evoke sympathy, portraying their struggles with societal beauty standards.
- Inelegance in prose sometimes reflects a character's raw emotions, contrasting with more polished narratives.
Psychology
- Research shows that individuals who are seen as inelegant might experience social rejection in group settings.
- People often gravitate toward those who communicate with elegance, associating it with intelligence and confidence.
Origin of 'inelegance'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' with 'elegance,' which comes from the Latin 'elegantia' meaning 'tastefulness.'
- Etymologically, it has roots in the 14th century, relating to an absence of refinement in manners or appearance.
The word 'inelegance' has its roots in the Latin word 'inelegantia', which means 'want of elegance'. It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. The concept of elegance has long been valued in society, and thus the opposite term, inelegance, emerged to describe the lack of grace or refinement. Over time, it has become a common term used to denote a lack of elegance in various aspects of life.