élan

[ ey-lahn, ey-lan; French 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

Example Sentences

Dovlatov appreciated irony constantly, consistently, and with élan.

From The Daily Beast

The world she evokes harkens back to a time of elegance and élan.

From The Daily Beast

As a bonus touch of Eurotrash élan, one can only salute his past-caring insistence on wearing total douche-bag sunglasses.

From The Daily Beast

No one controlled a movie camera and an editing room with more élan than Peckinpah.

From The Daily Beast

I know she is the keeper of the Camelot flame, a position that entails some effort and élan.

From The Daily Beast

With his usual daring, trusting to the unsurpassed élan of his troops, he fought battles at Onao and Busseerutgunge.

From Project Gutenberg

Bergson describes an élan vital—a living impetus—determining such phenomena.

From Project Gutenberg

The passionate élan of our soldiers, their death-despising bravery and one-minded strength, have gained victory after victory.

From Project Gutenberg

The attempt succeeded, and the nation, in the élan of its new unity and energy, set out to conquer its neighbors.

From Project Gutenberg

The French Second Division advanced with great gallantry and élan.

From Project Gutenberg