Origin: Latin suffix -ance
Elegance has 3 different meanings across 1 category:
a refined quality of gracefulness and good taste
"she conveys an aura of elegance and gentility"
a quality of neatness and ingenious simplicity in the solution of a problem (especially in science or mathematics)
"the simplicity and elegance of his invention"
Grace, refinement, and beauty in movement, appearance, or manners.
"Her movements possessed a quiet elegance that turned every step into a graceful display of refinement."
In plain English: Elegance is having something that looks stylish and works perfectly without being complicated.
"The dancer moved with such grace and elegance that the audience was spellbound."
Usage: Elegance describes an effortless gracefulness that makes something appear refined without seeming forced. Use it to compliment smooth movements, stylish designs, or polite social conduct rather than simple neatness.
The word entered English via the Middle French eleganse. It originally carried the meaning of exquisiteness and refinement before settling into its current sense of gracefulness in style or appearance.