elf
part of speech
noun (an elf, elves)
meaning for a pupil
1) An elf is a small magical creature in stories and folk tales, often with pointed ears, who can be helpful or tricky. tree →
2) In Christmas stories, elves are Santa's helpers who make toys at the North Pole. tree →
3) In fantasy books and games, like «The Lord of the Rings», elves are tall, wise, beautiful people who live very long. tree →
sense in the lessons
In stories it tells the reader there is magic: elves help the shoemaker, play tricks or fight in fantasy battles. At Christmas, «Elf on the Shelf» is a toy elf families move around. It is a made-up creature, not real. Phrases: «Santa's elves», «elf on the shelf», «elf ears».
examples
- The elves made shoes for the poor shoemaker. tree →
- Santa's elves wrap presents in the workshop. tree →
- Our Elf on the Shelf moves every night. tree →
- Legolas is an elf in «The Lord of the Rings». tree →
- She dressed up as an elf for the school play. tree →
- The elf had pointy ears and a green hat. tree →
- In Iceland some people tell stories about hidden elves. tree →
- The poor little elf was very much frightened. tree →
note
Irregular plural: one elf, two elves (f → ves, like shelf → shelves). Adjective: elfin or elvish. Elves are imaginary. Not the same as a «pixie» or «fairy», though stories often mix them up. «Elf» is also the name of a Christmas film.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «elf» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.