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Svelte Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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svelte

[svelt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

Svelte figure

Attractively thin; gracefully slender.

Synonyms

graceful, lithe, slender, slim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
svelte

Used to describe someone who is attractively thin, often with an elegant and stylish appearance.

  • She looked incredibly svelte in her new dress
  • The svelte dancer moved effortlessly across the stage
slim

Implemented when referring to someone who is healthily thin, often in a casual or everyday context.

  • He's managed to stay slim despite his love for desserts
  • She preferred to wear clothes that made her look slim
slender

Used to describe someone who is attractively thin, often with an emphasis on being long and lean.

  • She admired her slender reflection in the mirror
  • The tree trunk was slender but strong
graceful

Appropriate for someone or something that moves smoothly and with elegance, suggesting beauty in motion.

  • The ballet dancer's movements were incredibly graceful
  • He delivered his speech with a graceful poise that captivated the audience
lithe

Good for describing someone who is thin and flexible, often implying athleticism and agility.

  • The lithe gymnast performed a series of complex flips
  • Her lithe form allowed her to move seamlessly through the forest

Examples of usage

  • She had a svelte figure that turned heads wherever she went.
  • The svelte model glided down the runway with elegance.
Context #2 | Noun

Fashion industry

A person, especially a woman, who is slender and graceful in figure or outline.

Synonyms

graceful figure, slender person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
svelte

Used to describe someone who is attractively thin, often with a smooth and elegant appearance. Commonly used in the context of fashion, modeling, or describing a person's physique favorably.

  • She looked incredibly svelte in her new evening gown.
  • The actress maintained a svelte figure for her latest film role.
slender person

Describes someone who is thin in a more straightforward and neutral manner, without necessarily implying elegance or attractiveness. It can be used in everyday conversations.

  • He is a tall, slender person who enjoys running.
  • Despite having a slender person, she is very strong.
graceful figure

Refers to someone who not only has a thin or slim body but also moves with elegance and poise. Often used to describe dancers, athletes, or anyone who exhibits graceful movement.

  • Her graceful figure made every dance move look effortless.
  • The ballet dancer maintained a graceful figure throughout her performance.

Examples of usage

  • She was known in the fashion industry as a svelte, elegant beauty.
  • The designer preferred svelte models for his runway shows.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion and Culture

  • In the fashion world, 'svelte' often describes models and styles that emphasize elegance and grace.
  • 'Svelte' has become synonymous with fitness and health, frequently appearing in discussions about body image and aesthetics.
  • Many fashion designers aim to create 'svelte' silhouettes in their collections, focusing on smooth lines and streamlined forms.

Psychology

  • Svelte body types are often idealized in media, affecting self-image and societal standards of beauty.
  • Research suggests that a 'svelte' appearance can influence first impressions, especially in professional settings.
  • People may associate svelte figures with confidence and vitality, impacting how individuals perceive attractiveness.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as 'svelte' often embody elegance, charm, and sophistication.
  • The term appears in various poems and novels, reflecting ideals of beauty and grace throughout artistic history.
  • Writers use 'svelte' to evoke vivid imagery of characters who possess both physical attraction and poise.

Health and Fitness

  • The pursuit of a 'svelte' figure often encourages active lifestyles, emphasizing balance, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Society's fascination with svelte body types can motivate people to engage in healthier habits, both physically and mentally.
  • Fitness programs often use the term to promote goals of achieving a lean physique through exercise and healthy eating.

Origin of 'svelte'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'svelte' comes from the French word 'svelte,' which means 'slender' or 'graceful.'
  • It originated from the Latin word 'sveltes,' meaning 'to be slim or to become thin.'
  • The usage of 'svelte' in English dates back to the early 19th century, showcasing its fashionable connotation.

The word 'svelte' originated from the Italian word 'svelto' which means 'slender'. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. Over time, 'svelte' has come to be associated with elegance, grace, and attractiveness in terms of a slim figure.

See also: svelteness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,663, 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.