Inelegant: meaning, definitions and examples
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inelegant
[ɪˈnɛlɪɡənt ]
Definition
not well-designed
Lacking in refinement or grace; not elegant; not tasteful. Inelegant solutions to complex problems often lead to inefficiency and confusion. Inelegant designs can be off-putting to potential customers.
Synonyms
awkward, clumsy, crude, ungraceful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inelegant |
Describes something lacking grace or refined taste. Often used in discussing aesthetics, such as fashion or design.
|
| clumsy |
Describes someone who often makes mistakes or has accidents because they lack coordination. Usually refers to physical actions.
|
| awkward |
Refers to a situation, person, or thing that causes discomfort or embarrassment. Also describes someone who lacks skill and ease in movement or social situations.
|
| ungraceful |
Describes someone or something that lacks elegance and smoothness in movement. Similar to 'inelegant' but more focused on the lack of physical grace.
|
| crude |
Has a negative connotation and describes something that is raw, unrefined, or lacking sophistication. Can also refer to behavior or language that is offensive or rude.
|
Examples of usage
- Her inelegant writing style made the report difficult to read.
- The inelegant layout of the apartment made it feel cramped and cluttered.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'inelegans,' which means 'not elegant.'
- It has been part of the English language since the 15th century, primarily used to describe something lacking grace.
- The prefix 'in-' commonly indicates negation in English, as seen in other words like 'incorrect' or 'incomplete.'
Literature
- Authors often use 'inelegant' to portray characters with flaws or traits that are awkward, making them relatable.
- In poetry, the term can be used ironically to contrast with ornate language, highlighting authenticity over embellishment.
- Classic literature, such as works by Shakespeare, sometimes juxtaposes elegance and inelegance to illustrate social disparities between characters.
Pop Culture
- Many comedic performances rely on inelegant scenarios, such as physical comedy, where characters trip or make blunders for laughs.
- TV shows often feature inelegant moments to create relatable characters – think of characters who can't participate in sophisticated parties.
- In fashion, trends often swing from elegance to deliberately inelegant styles, reflecting attitudes towards societal norms.
Psychology
- People often judge inelegant behavior as less appealing, which can impact social interactions and first impressions.
- Cognitive dissonance can arise when someone who usually behaves elegantly finds themselves in an inelegant situation, leading to feelings of discomfort.
- Psychologists have studied how appearances and gracefulness can affect perceptions of competence and confidence.
Art
- In modern art, the concept of inelegance is embraced by some artists to challenge traditional ideals of beauty.
- Inelegant designs in architecture can evoke strong emotions or reactions, prompting discussions about functionality versus aesthetic appeal.
- Performances that showcase inelegance often use humor or satire to critique societal expectations of grace.
Translations
Translations of the word "inelegant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 inelegante
🇮🇳 अशिष्ट
🇩🇪 unelegant
🇮🇩 tidak elegan
🇺🇦 неграційний
🇵🇱 nieelegancki
🇯🇵 不格好な (ぶかっこうな)
🇫🇷 inélegant
🇪🇸 inelegante
🇹🇷 elegansız
🇰🇷 우아하지 않은
🇸🇦 غير أنيق
🇨🇿 nelegantní
🇸🇰 nelegantný
🇨🇳 不优雅的 (bù yōuyǎ de)
🇸🇮 neelektanten
🇮🇸 ósmekklegt
🇰🇿 сәнсіз
🇬🇪 უხარისხო
🇦🇿 zövqsüz
🇲🇽 inelegante