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

Example Sentences

The elan, the outrageous ability to unlock defences in ways that opponents just don't see coming is alive and well, but his game management has caught up with his natural flair in recent years.

From BBC

The original country music recordings were wails meant to be heard by the folks back home and the elan vital of the genre has remained remarkably consistent through the countrypolitan ‘70s, the neo-traditional ‘80s and even the hard-partying last decade, where stories of ragers past lingered around the charts like so much stale beer.

From Salon

“They can’t sell stock or offer returns,” said Neil Elan, a partner at law firm Stubbs, Alderton and Markiles LLP.

From Los Angeles Times

“This might not only spell trouble for OpenAI, but it also might result in an avalanche of unintended consequences,” said Elan.

From Los Angeles Times

“The ultimate question is, is this a case of altruism versus greed, as Musk portrays, or is this a case of kind of corporate monopolistic prevention, as Altman and OpenAI present?” said Neil Elan, a partner with law firm Stubbs Alderton and Markiles LLP.

From Los Angeles Times