elegant
adj.
late 15c., "tastefully ornate," from Middle French élégant (15c.), from Latin elegantem (nominative elegans) "choice, fine, tasteful," collateral form of present participle of eligere "select with care, choose." Meaning "characterized by refined grace" is from 1520s. Latin elegans originally was a term of reproach, "dainty, fastidious;" the notion of "tastefully refined" emerged in classical Latin. Related: Elegantly.
Elegant implies that anything of an artificial character to which it is applied is the result of training and cultivation through the study of models or ideals of grace; graceful implies less of consciousness, and suggests often a natural gift. A rustic, uneducated girl may be naturally graceful, but not elegant.
〔蒋〕[e-出，leg-lect挑选，-ant形容词后缀，…的，’挑选出来的”，’众里挑一的”] 美好的，漂亮的，优美的，高雅的
〔李〕[e-(ex-)=out出；leg=to choose挑选；-ant a.=being……的→“being chosen out 挑出来的”→“excellent 优秀的”→] a. graceful;refined雅致的；优美的