Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'elegant'

English Word: elegant

Key Russian Translations:

• элегантный [ɛlʲɪˈɡantnɨj] - [Adjective, Formal; used in contexts involving style, grace, or refinement]

Frequency: Medium (Common in written and formal spoken Russian, especially in literature, fashion, and design discussions)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate; requires familiarity with loanwords and adjective usage, as per CEFR standards)

Pronunciation (Russian):

элегантный: [ɛlʲɪˈɡantnɨj]

Note on элегантный: The stress falls on the third syllable ("-gant-"), which is a common feature in Russian loanwords from French. Be mindful of the soft 'л' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Describing something stylish, graceful, and refined

Translation(s) & Context:

• элегантный - Typically used in formal or aesthetic contexts, such as fashion, art, or social etiquette; conveys a sense of sophistication without ostentation.

Usage Examples:

• Она одета в элегантное платье, которое подчеркивает ее грацию.

  She is wearing an elegant dress that highlights her grace.

• Этот дизайн интерьера выглядит элегантно и современно.

  This interior design looks elegant and modern.

• В его манерах всегда есть что-то элегантное, несмотря на простоту.

  There is always something elegant about his manners, despite their simplicity.

• Элегантный ужин в ресторане стал идеальным завершением вечера.

  The elegant dinner at the restaurant was the perfect end to the evening.

• Ее элегантный стиль речи покорил аудиторию.

  Her elegant style of speech captivated the audience.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Элегантный is an adjective, which follows the standard pattern of Russian first-declension adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. The base form is masculine singular nominative.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • изящный (izyschnyy) - More emphasis on delicacy and fineness, often used in artistic contexts.
  • грациозный (gratsioznyy) - Highlights graceful movement, suitable for describing people or animals.
• Antonyms:
  • неэлегантный (nelegantnyy) - Directly opposite, implying a lack of style.
  • грубый (grubyy) - Suggests coarseness or rudeness, with a broader negative connotation.

Related Phrases:

• элегантный стиль - Elegant style; refers to a refined and sophisticated manner in fashion or behavior.
• элегантный дизайн - Elegant design; commonly used in architecture or product development to denote simplicity and beauty.
• быть элегантным в движениях - To be elegant in movements; an idiomatic phrase for graceful physical actions, often in dance or sports.

Usage Notes:

Элегантный is a loanword from French via English, making it a good example of how Russian incorporates international vocabulary. It precisely corresponds to the English "elegant" in formal contexts but is less common in everyday casual speech. Use it when emphasizing refinement, such as in descriptions of clothing, events, or manners. If the context is more casual, consider synonyms like "стильный" for a broader appeal. Grammatically, ensure agreement with the noun's gender, number, and case to avoid errors.

Common Errors:

• English learners often misuse элегантный by treating it as invariant, e.g., saying "элегантный женщина" instead of the correct "элегантная женщина" (elegant woman). Error: Incorrect gender agreement. Correct: Always adjust the ending based on the noun's gender, as shown in the inflections table above.

• Another common mistake is overusing it in informal settings, such as in casual conversations, where it might sound pretentious. For example, saying "Это элегантный обед" for a simple meal. Correct approach: Reserve it for contexts like formal events; use simpler words like "красивый" (beautiful) in everyday talk.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, элегантный often evokes images of pre-revolutionary aristocratic elegance or Soviet-era refinement in art and literature. It carries a subtle connotation of Western influence, particularly from French fashion, reflecting Russia's historical admiration for European sophistication. This makes it a popular term in discussions of ballet, literature (e.g., in works by Pushkin), and modern fashion, helping to bridge cultural gaps for English speakers interested in Russian aesthetics.

Related Concepts:

• стильный (stylish)
• изысканный (refined)
• грациозность (gracefulness)