Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌɪnɪˈlɛɡənt/

Definitions

• Lacking elegance; crude, awkward, or lacking in grace.
• Not refined or tasteful; characterized by a lack of sophistication or propriety.

Usage Examples

• Her inelegant manners at the dinner table were off-putting to the guests.
• The inelegant design of the building clashed with its surroundings.
• He made an inelegant attempt at explaining the complicated theory.

Etymology

From the prefix "in-" meaning "not" and "elegant," which comes from the Latin "elegans" meaning "fine" or "refined." The term "inelegant" emerged in the early 17th century to describe a lack of grace or refinement in both manners and appearance.

Synonyms

• Crude
• Awkward
• Unrefined
• Rude
• Unpolished

Antonyms

• Elegant
• Graceful
• Refined
• Polished
• Sophisticated

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the stress is often placed on the second syllable "lɛ," while in American English, it tends to be less emphasized.
• In Australian English, the pronunciation may be slightly more clipped in the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "inelegant" has been in use since the early 17th century, initially referring to things or behaviors that were deemed unrefined or uncouth. Over the centuries, it has come to describe everything from manners and personal appearance to design and aesthetic choices. It was often used in social critiques during the 18th and 19th centuries to refer to the lack of sophistication in art and culture.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "inelegant" behavior or appearance is associated with a lack of education, wealth, or social status. However, in certain modern contexts, particularly within subcultures or avant-garde movements, "inelegance" can be embraced as a form of rebellion against traditional standards of refinement and beauty.

More Information

The word "inelegant" often carries a negative connotation, but its use has evolved. In contemporary discourse, it can sometimes be employed with a tone of irony or humor, especially in fashion and design critiques. For instance, some minimalist design approaches might be referred to as "inelegant" in a playful or self-aware manner.