elfin
pronunciation
How to pronounce elfin in British English:
UK [ˈelfɪn]
How to pronounce elfin in American English:
US [ˈɛlfɪn]
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- Adjective:
- suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness
- small and delicate
- relating to or made or done by or as if by an elf
- usually good-naturedly mischievous
Word Origin
- elfin (adj.)
- "of or pertaining to elves," 1590s, from elf; first found in Spenser, who also used it as a noun and might have been thinking of elven but the word also is a proper name in the Arthurian romances (Elphin).
Example
- 1. What well might seem an elfin 's grave .
- 2. Men 's clothes make women look elfin and gorgeous .
- 3. Watson is the latest in a growing line of actresses opting for pixie or elfin styles .
- 4. An elfin magic takes hold .
- 5. Kearns is a small man a few inches taller than elfin .