How to hear the difference between 'et les gants' and 'élégant'?

Question

I'm trying to understand French by listening, but how does a real Frenchman hear the difference between 'et les gants' and 'élégant'?As far as I (can) understand, both are pronounced as: ee-lee-gan.

Answer 1

Et is pronounced differently,closer to ay whereas elegant is pronounced " elle-ay-gant.

Answer 2

Hello Johnny C.:

Since they are pronounced exactly the same, it would depend on the context in which they are used even for a real Frenchman, i.e. a native speaker.

"Ce restaurant est tres elegant" (this restaurant is very elegant) or "il fait tres froid dehors donc il faut porter un monteau et les gants" (it's very cold outside so you should wear a coat and gloves).

Hope this helps!