refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
"elegant handwriting"
"an elegant dark suit"
"she was elegant to her fingertips"
"small churches with elegant white spires"
"an elegant mathematical solution--simple and precise and lucid"
displaying effortless beauty and simplicity in movement or execution
"an elegant dancer"
"an elegant mathematical solution -- simple and precise"
Characterised by or exhibiting elegance.
"The dancer moved across the stage with an elegant grace that captivated every member of the audience."
In plain English: Elegant means looking stylish and refined without being overly fancy or complicated.
"She wore an elegant dress to the wedding."
Usage: Use elegant to describe something that displays refined taste, grace, and simplicity rather than being overly ornate. It applies best to style, design, or movement that achieves an impressive effect through understated quality.
The word entered English from the Middle French élegant, which originally meant "carefully chosen." It traces its roots back to the Latin ēlegāns.