ELFIN
Dictionary entry overview: What does elfin mean?
• ELFIN (adjective)
The adjective ELFIN has 4 senses:
1. suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness
2. small and delicate
3. relating to or made or done by or as if by an elf
4. usually good-naturedly mischievous
Familiarity information: ELFIN used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
• ELFIN (adjective)
Meaning:
Suggestive of an elf in strangeness and otherworldliness
Synonyms:
elfin; fey
Context examples:
thunderbolts quivered with elfin flares of heat lightning / the fey quality was there, the ability to see the moon at midday
Similar:
supernatural (not existing in nature or subject to explanation according to natural laws; not physical or material)
Meaning:
Small and delicate
Synonyms:
elflike; elfin
Context examples:
she was an elfin creature--graceful and delicate / obsessed by things elfin and small
Similar:
little; small (limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent)
Meaning:
Relating to or made or done by or as if by an elf
Classified under:
Relational adjectives (pertainyms)
Context examples:
elfin bells / all the little creatures joined in the elfin dance
Pertainym:
elf ((folklore) fairies that are somewhat mischievous)
Meaning:
Usually good-naturedly mischievous
Synonyms:
elfish; elvish; elfin
Context examples:
perpetrated a practical joke with elfin delight / elvish tricks
Similar:
playful (full of fun and high spirits)
