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graceful

/ˈɡreɪsfəl/
adjective★Intermediate
formalinformal

Having or showing smooth, elegant movement or behavior

She handled the difficult situation with grace and poise.

She managed the challenging situation elegantly and calmly.

The swan glided gracefully across the lake.

The swan moved smoothly and elegantly across the lake.

💡

Often used to describe physical movement, social behavior, or artistic performance.

Collocations

graceful movementsmooth and elegant motiongraceful exita dignified or tactful departuregraceful declinea polite refusal or rejection

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

with gracephrase
in an elegant and dignified manner
lose one's gracephrase
to lose one's poise or elegance

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

Use 'graceful' to describe both physical movements and social behaviors that are smooth and elegant.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

While 'graceful' is positive, overusing it can make descriptions seem overly formal or insincere.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'graceful', from Old French 'gracieus', from Latin 'gratia' meaning 'favor, grace'.

📝Usage Notes

Can describe both physical actions (e.g., dancing) and abstract qualities (e.g., handling a situation gracefully).

Word Breakdown

grace
elegance or favor
root
+
-ful
full of
suffix
English Dictionary

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