Cool MateElegant vs It is exquisite
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Elegant
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
It is exquisite
FormalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: It is exquisiteMost common: Elegant
| Elegant | It is exquisite | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈelɪɡənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈelɪɡənt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪkˈskwɪzɪt//🇺🇸 //ɪkˈskwɪzɪt// |
| Meaning | Graceful and stylish in appearance or behavior. | It is very beautiful or well-made. |
| Example | She wore an elegant black dress to the gala. | The dress she wore was exquisite, catching everyone's eye at the gala. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very | exquisite taste, exquisite beauty, exquisite detail, exquisite craftsmanship, exquisite experience |
| Antonyms | clumsy, awkward, unsophisticated | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'elegant' with 'elegy' — they mean different things., Using 'elegant' for simplistic or casual styles., Overusing 'elegant' when 'simple' may be more appropriate. | Confused with 'exquisite' vs 'excellent'., Overusing 'exquisite' in everyday situations., Not using it to describe sensory experiences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'elegant' to describe clothing, design, or behavior that is sophisticated and attractive. It's suitable in both formal and casual contexts but may sound out of place in very informal settings. | Use 'exquisite' in formal contexts to describe art, food, or experiences. It's less suitable for casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Elegant vs It is exquisite
What's the difference between Elegant and It is exquisite?
Elegant: Graceful and stylish in appearance or behavior. It is exquisite: It is very beautiful or well-made.
Which is more formal: Elegant and It is exquisite?
It is exquisite is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Elegant and It is exquisite?
Elegant is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Elegant: She wore an elegant black dress to the gala. It is exquisite: The dress she wore was exquisite, catching everyone's eye at the gala.
Can I use Elegant and It is exquisite interchangeably?
Not always. Elegant and It is exquisite are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.