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- DictionaryE·lan/āˈlän/
noun
- 1. energy, style, and enthusiasm: "a rousing march, played with great elan"
: vigorous spirit or enthusiasm. Did you know? Once upon a time, English speakers did not have élan (the word, that is; we have always had the potential for vigorous spirit). We had, however, the verb elance, meaning "to throw," that was used for the launching of darts, javelins, and similar weaponry.
a combination of style and energetic confidence or speed, especially in a performance or someone's behaviour: She dances the role with such élan. As a prime minister, she had a certain elan. Fewer examples. The story moves along with élan. He dismissed the criticism with some elan, laughing it off.
Elan comes from a French word meaning "to dart," and is often spelled élan. Someone with elan can be said to dart around with enthusiasm and a unique flair. Music or art can have elan, and so can someone's wardrobe. Elan can also mean zeal or eagerness in favor of a person or cause.
Élan definition: style; flair; dash (especially in manner). See examples of ÉLAN used in a sentence.
a combination of style and energetic confidence or speed, especially in a performance or someone's behavior: She dances the role with such élan. As a congresswoman, she had a certain elan. Fewer examples. The story moves along with élan. He dismissed the criticism with some elan, laughing it off.
Define elan. elan synonyms, elan pronunciation, elan translation, English dictionary definition of elan. n. 1. Enthusiastic vigor and liveliness. 2. Distinctive style or flair. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
Elan Definition. ā-läɴ, ā-län. Meanings. Synonyms. Sentences. Definition Source. Word Forms. Origin. Noun. Filter. noun. Enthusiastic vigor and liveliness. American Heritage. Spirited self-assurance; verve; dash; enthusiasm. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Distinctive style or flair. American Heritage. Synonyms: liveliness. zest. gusto.
Definition of elan noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
All you need to know about "ÉLAN" in one place: definitions, pronunciations, synonyms, grammar insights, collocations, examples, and translations.
Dictionary definition of elan. A distinctive and exuberant style, flair, or enthusiastic energy that a person, group, or endeavor exhibits. "His speech was delivered with such elan that it inspired the entire team." Detailed meaning of elan.