svelte

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective showing a high degree of refinement and the assurance that comes from wide social experience
  2. adjective moving and bending with ease
  3. adjective being of delicate or slender build; - Frank Norris

Etymology

From French svelte, from Italian svelto (“stretched out”), past participle of svellere (“to pluck out, root out”), from Vulgar Latin *exvellere, from ex + vellere (“to pluck, stretch”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

polished, refined, urbane

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