élan

[ey-lahn, ey-lan, ey-lahn]

noun

1. style; flair; dash (especially in manner).

   to dance with great élan.

   Synonyms: zest, verve, spirit, panache, esprit, animation

élan

/ eɪˈlæn, elɑ̃, eɪˈlɑːn /

noun

1. a combination of style and vigour

   he performed the concerto with élan

Word History and Origins

Origin of élan¹

First recorded in 1875–80; French, Middle French eslan “a dash, rush,” noun derivative of eslancer “to dart,” equivalent to es- ex- ¹ + lancer “to lance ¹ ”

Word History and Origins

Origin of élan¹

C19: from French, from élancer to throw forth, ultimately from Latin lancea _lance