Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Svelte: meaning, definitions and examples

💃
Add to dictionary

svelte

 

[svelt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

Svelte figure

Attractively thin; gracefully slender.

Synonyms

graceful, lithe, slender, slim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "svelte" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esbelto

🇮🇳 कृश

🇩🇪 schlank

🇮🇩 ramping

🇺🇦 стрункий

🇵🇱 smukły

🇯🇵 ほっそりした

🇫🇷 svelte

🇪🇸 esbelto

🇹🇷 ince

🇰🇷 날씬한

🇸🇦 نحيف

🇨🇿 štíhlý

🇸🇰 štíhly

🇨🇳 苗条的

🇸🇮 vitka

🇮🇸 grannur

🇰🇿 арық

🇬🇪 გამხდარი

🇦🇿 arıqlıq

🇲🇽 esbelto

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.