inelegantly

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ɪˈnɛlɪɡəntli/

KK: /ɪˈnɛlɪɡəntli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that is not graceful or refined; clumsily or awkwardly.

Example

She spoke inelegantly, stumbling over her words during the presentation.

Conversation

Did you see how he danced at the party last night?

Yeah, it was quite a sight! He moved so inelegantly.

I couldn't stop laughing at how he tripped over his own feet.

Right? But it was all in good fun, and everyone loved it!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

awkwardly

clumsily

gawky

Antonyms

gracefully

elegantly

smoothly

Root Explanation

Inelegantly → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "elegans" (from Latin, meaning elegant or refined) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner). The word "inelegantly" means in a manner that is not elegant or refined.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being combined with 'elegant' to remember that 'inelegantly' means doing something in a way that lacks elegance.

Visually Confused Words

unelegantly