soigné

American  

[swahn-yey, swa-nyey] / swɑnˈyeɪ, swaˈnyeɪ /

Or soignée

adjective

1. carefully or elegantly done, operated, or designed.

2. well-groomed.

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soigné British  

/ swaɲe, ˈswɑːnjeɪ /

adjective

1. well-groomed; elegant

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Etymology

Origin of soigné

1915–20; < French, past participle of soigner to take care of < Germanic (compare Old Saxon sunnea care, concern)

Explanation

Someone who's soigne is extremely elegant and well-dressed. When you get dressed up for a party, you might hope that you'll look soigne. The adjective soigne is perfect for describing a person who is so polished, clean, and sophisticated that you need a fancy French word to describe them. Soigne comes from the French soigné (or soignée for a woman), from the verb soigner, "to take care of." It's the ideal description for someone who's clearly taken a lot of care to look nice.

Example Sentences

He was soigné, to use one of his favorite words, and he had éclat, to use another.

From New York Times • Jan. 22, 2022

A few years ago, the duchess of Cambridge’s soigné appearance right after childbirth — hinting at stringent expectations for her looks and behavior — inspired Barnes to write a monologue for a fictional duchess.

From Washington Post • Mar. 4, 2021

But, strange to say, this formerly untidy man now seems quite soigné, in a new suit and with his hair smoothed down.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 20, 2018

Instead of trying to gussy up and expand the lawyer or doctor show into something that looks more soigné, they could keep these shows short and sweet.

From Slate • Oct. 20, 2016

And, looking at the publicist's soigné moustache and firm jaw and broad hands, I could believe it.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 150, June 7, 1916 by Seaman, Owen, Sir