Inelegantly: meaning, definitions and examples

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inelegantly

[ɪˈnɛləɡəntli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a clumsy manner

Characterized by a lack of elegance or grace; awkwardly or clumsily.

Synonyms

awkwardly, clumsily, ungainly, ungracefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
inelegantly	Used when describing actions or appearance that lack refinement or taste. Often used in formal or written contexts. He handled the delicate vase inelegantly, causing concern among the collectors. Her dress, though expensive, hung inelegantly on her frame.
awkwardly	Often used to describe movements or situations that are uncomfortable or lacking coordination. Can refer to both physical and social contexts. He stood awkwardly in the corner, unsure of how to join the conversation. She held the spoon awkwardly, spilling soup on the table.
clumsily	Describes physical actions that are performed with a lack of skill or precision. Implies a certain degree of physical ineptitude. He clumsily knocked over the glass of water, soaking the tablecloth. The cat clumsily jumped onto the windowsill, nearly missing its target.
ungracefully	Describes actions or movements lacking elegance or refinement. It has a negative connotation and is commonly used in contexts where gracefulness is expected. She danced ungracefully, stumbling over her own feet. The gymnast landed ungracefully, earning a low score from the judges.
ungainly	Often used in describing movements or appearances that are awkward and not smooth. It has a slightly negative connotation and suggests a lack of physical grace or coordination. The ungainly teenager tripped over his own feet during the basketball game. The large, ungainly bird struggled to take off from the ground.

Examples of usage

He danced inelegantly across the stage.
She spoke inelegantly in front of the audience.
The cat jumped inelegantly from the table.
The painting was hung inelegantly on the wall.
The car parked inelegantly on the curb.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'elegant,' which refers to being stylish or graceful.
Originally derived from the Latin 'elegans,' it signifies not only beauty but also refinement in manner or style.
The use of 'inelegantly' in English dates back to the early 19th century.

Literature

Many authors use 'inelegantly' to contrast characters' behavior, highlighting a lack of refinement.
In poetry, describing actions as 'inelegantly' can evoke humor or awkwardness, making readers smile at the clumsy imagery.
Modern literature often portrays characters who embrace flaws, using the term to depict authenticity over polish.

Psychology

Research suggests that people often perceive inelegant behavior as more relatable, fostering connections over polished presentation.
The phenomenon of 'imperfect perfection' describes how minor flaws can make someone seem more genuine and warm.
In social settings, individuals may judge inelegantly performed actions more leniently, recognizing common human errors.

Pop Culture

Television shows frequently employ 'inelegantly' to describe characters who bungle situations, creating comedic relief.
Reality TV often showcases inelegant moments, emphasizing authenticity and relatable blunders among participants.
In memes, humor about inelegant behavior often resonates, as viewers enjoy shared experiences of awkwardness.

Cultural Analysis

Different cultures have unique standards of elegance, meaning something considered inelegant in one may not be seen that way in another.
Art movements like Dadaism embraced the idea of inelegance to challenge traditional views of beauty and sophistication.
Inelegance in dance or performance can be a form of artistic expression, highlighting raw emotion rather than technical prowess.

Translations

Translations of the word "inelegantly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 inelegantemente

🇮🇳 अशिष्टता से

🇩🇪 unelegant

🇮🇩 dengan tidak elegan

🇺🇦 нелегантно

🇵🇱 nieelegancko

🇯🇵 不格好に (fugakkō ni)

🇫🇷 sans élégance

🇪🇸 inelegantemente

🇹🇷 elegansızca

🇰🇷 우아하지 않게 (uahaji anke)

🇸🇦 بشكل غير أنيق

🇨🇿 nelegantně

🇸🇰 nelegantne

🇨🇳 不优雅地 (bù yōuyǎ de)

🇸🇮 nelepo

🇮🇸 óglæsilega

🇰🇿 сәнсіз

🇬🇪 უშნოდ

🇦🇿 zərifliklə deyil

🇲🇽 inelegantemente

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,663, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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38660 lynchpin
38661 roughneck
38662 preciously
38663 inelegantly
38664 matzo
38665 farted
38666 bandicoot
...