graceful

/ˈɡreɪsfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡreɪsfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrās-fəl/ (ame, mw)

graceful — adjective

  • gracefulpositive
  • more gracefulcomparative
  • most gracefulsuperlative

1. describes movements or shapes that are smooth, controlled, and pleasing to watch

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes movements or shapes that are smooth, controlled, and pleasing to watch or look at

例句

Yuna's dance was so graceful that the audience watched in complete silence.

The architect designed a bridge with a graceful arch that stretched across the river.

collocation: graceful + physical object (arch, curve, line)

同義詞
  • elegant

    more about stylish appearance than smooth movement

  • fluid

    focuses on continuous, unbroken motion

  • lithe

    describes a thin, flexible body that bends easily

反義詞
  • clumsy

    awkward and uncontrolled in movement

  • awkward

    lacking smoothness or ease

文法句型

graceful + noun

be + graceful

用法筆記

Often describes visible movement (dance, walk, gesture) or physical design elements with flowing curves (bridge, arch, neck, building). Can also describe the look of writing or art.

常見錯誤

❌The ballerina's dance was very graceful and elegant and beautiful.
✅The ballerina's dance was very graceful.
💡Avoid stacking too many similar adjectives; graceful already implies elegance and beauty.

2. if someone is graceful in the way they behave, they remain polite, kind, and cal

2.形容詞B2
釋義

if someone is graceful in the way they behave, they remain polite, kind, and calm even when things go wrong or when they face an unpleasant situation

例句

After the match, Emma was graceful enough to congratulate the winner with a warm smile.

graceful in defeat / graceful about losing

Arjun made a graceful apology for his mistake and did not try to make excuses.

同義詞
  • gracious

    kind and generous, especially to someone who has less power or status

  • tactful

    careful not to say or do anything that offends others

  • polite

    general good manners; less specific to difficult situations

反義詞
  • rude

    not polite; showing a lack of respect

  • graceless

    awkwardly impolite, especially when losing or receiving criticism

文法句型

be + graceful + about/in + noun/gerund

graceful + noun (apology, loser, response)

用法筆記

Commonly used in contexts of losing, apologising, or handling criticism. Often paired with prepositions 'about' (graceful about the defeat) or 'in' (graceful in accepting blame).

常見錯誤

❌He was graceful to everyone at the party.
✅He was graceful in accepting the criticism.
💡Graceful behaviour is most often about handling difficult situations well, not just being nice in general.