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Meaning & use

elfin

adjective·Advancedliterary

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UK/ˈɛlfɪn/
US/ˈɛlfɪn/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nounliteraryapproving

    Small and slight with delicate, often pointed features that suggest a playful or magical creature.

    Grammar: Usually describes looks: an elfin face. It is a literary word, usually positive.

    Patterns

    • an elfin face/figure/features

    The dancer had an elfin face and bright, curious eyes.

    She was an elfin girl with short dark hair.

    His elfin grin made it impossible to stay angry with him.

  2. adjectivebefore a nounliteraryarchaic

    Belonging to or typical of elves, or like something from a fairy tale.

    Grammar: Used in fantasy writing: elfin magic, elfin music.

    Patterns

    • elfin music/folk

    The poem describes elfin music drifting from the woods.

    Children's books often show elfin villages hidden among the trees.

Common combinations

elfin face
Her elfin face was framed by a short haircut.
elfin features
The actress was known for her elfin features.
elfin smile
He gave an elfin smile and ran off.
elfin grace
The skater moved with elfin grace.
elfin figure
An elfin figure darted across the stage.

Synonyms and how they differ

pixie-like
Pixie-like is more playful and informal, and often applies to short haircuts or mischievous looks.
dainty
Dainty stresses neat, delicate smallness without any magical hint.
petite
Petite is a neutral word for a small, slender build, mostly used about women's size and lacking the fairy-tale feel.
impish
Impish describes mischievous behavior or expression, whereas elfin describes delicate appearance.

Opposites

burlyhulking

Word family

elf noun
a small magical being in folk stories
elfish adjective
a variant meaning like an elf or mischievous
elfland noun
the imagined country of elves in folklore

Commonly confused: elfin or elvish?

elfin vs elvish

Elvish is used for the languages and customs of elves in fantasy stories, not for a person's looks.

Practice

The poet described the child as having an ___ face, small and delicate with pointed ears.

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