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stylish
/ˈstaɪ.lɪʃ/
fashionably elegant
She wore a stylish black dress to the gala.
The dress was fashionable and elegant, making her stand out at the event.
neutral
having a fashionable, attractive appearance
The stylish furniture in the room made it feel modern and inviting.
The furniture's fashionable design contributed to the room's contemporary and welcoming atmosphere.
He always dresses in a stylish way that reflects his personality.
His clothing choices are consistently fashionable and expressive of who he is.
Often used to describe clothing, accessories, or overall appearance that follows current fashion trends while maintaining elegance.
neutral
sophisticated and tasteful in design or presentation
The restaurant had a stylish interior with minimalist decor.
The restaurant's sophisticated and tasteful interior design featured clean, simple lines.
Can describe environments, objects, or styles that are aesthetically pleasing and well-designed.
Collocations
stylish outfita fashionable set of clothesstylish designa sophisticated and attractive designlook stylishappear fashionable and elegant
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'stylish'
While 'stylish' is versatile, it can sound generic. Combine it with more specific adjectives (e.g., 'sleekly stylish,' 'vintage stylish') to add depth to your descriptions.
Gold Rule
Use 'stylish' for positive judgment
The word carries a positive connotation. Use it to compliment someone's appearance or design choices, not to describe neutral or negative styles.
Pair with context
For stronger descriptions, pair 'stylish' with details about the style (e.g., 'stylishly bohemian,' 'minimalist and stylish').
Word Origin
From the noun 'style' (recorded from the 14th century, meaning 'way of life, manner, or mode of action') combined with the adjectival suffix '-ish' (denoting 'having the quality of'). Originally meant 'having style' in the sense of manner or conduct, later shifting to describe fashionable appearance in the 19th century.
Usage Notes
Commonly used to praise someone's or something's appearance or design. Often implies a balance between trendiness and timelessness, avoiding extremes of either. Not typically used for people's personalities or behaviors unless referring to their aesthetic choices.
Word Breakdown
style
fashionable or elegant manner
root-ish
having the quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary