elfin Meaning & Definition
What Does Elfin Mean?
Elfin is a noun that means An elf; an inhabitant of fairy-land. It can also mean A little urchin or child. As an adjective, it means Of or relating to elves. As an adjective, it means Relating to or resembling an elf or elves, especially in its tiny size or features.
Elfin in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈɛlfɪn/ |
| Synonyms | playful, little and supernatural |
| Plural | elfins |
| Comparative / superlative | more elfin, most elfin |
Elfin Definition (Noun)
- An elf; an inhabitant of fairy-land.
- A little urchin or child.
- Any of the butterflies in the subgenus Incisalia of the North American lycaenid genus Callophrys.
Elfin as an Adjective
- Of or relating to elves.
- Resembling an elf or elves, especially in tiny size or features.
Adjective
- Relating to or resembling an elf or elves, especially in its tiny size or features.
Synonyms of Elfin
Elfin synonyms and antonyms →Word Forms & Grammar
elfin (plural elfins)
elfin (comparative more elfin, superlative most elfin)
Words That Rhyme With Elfin
Origin of Elfin
Origin 1: From Middle English elven, from Old English elfen, ælfen (“nymph, spirit, fairy”), feminine of elf, ælf (“elf”), equivalent to elf + -in. Cognate with Middle High German elbinne (“a fairy, nymph”).
Origin 2: Partly from attributive use of Etymology 1, but reanalysed by Edmund Spenser as if equivalent to elf + -in. Compare elven (adjective), elvan.
Common Questions About Elfin
Is elfin a noun or an adjective?
Elfin is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for elfin?
Close synonyms of elfin are playful, little and supernatural. See the full list of elfin synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of elfin?
The plural of elfin is elfins.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of elfin?
The comparative form is more elfin and the superlative form is most elfin.