graceful
word
Definition
Moving or behaving in a smooth, attractive, and controlled way, often showing beauty and elegance. Can also mean having a kind and polite manner.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used for movement (dance, animals, gestures) or describing elegant, controlled actions. Often positive. Can describe people’s appearance or manner; sometimes used for kind, polite behavior (‘a graceful way to admit a mistake’). Not for inanimate objects unless implying elegance.
Example Sentences
The ballerina's movements are very graceful.
basic
He gave a graceful bow after the performance.
basic
Swans are considered very graceful animals.
basic
She handled the criticism in a graceful way.
natural
The cat jumped over the fence in one graceful leap.
natural
Even when she lost, she was always graceful about it.
natural