flair

[flair]

noun

1. a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack.

   a flair for rhyming.

2. smartness of style, manner, etc..

   Their window display has absolutely no flair at all.

   Synonyms: pizazz, oomph, verve, panache, dash, chic

3. keen, intuitive perception or discernment.

   We want a casting director with a real flair for finding dramatic talent.

4. Hunting.,  scent; sense of smell.

flair

¹

/ flɛə /

noun

1. natural ability; talent; aptitude

2. instinctive discernment; perceptiveness

3. stylishness or elegance; dash

   to dress with flair

4. rare,  hunting

   1. the scent left by quarry

   2. the sense of smell of a hound

flair

²

/ flIr /

noun

1. a Scot word for floor

Word History and Origins

Origin of flair¹

First recorded before 1350–1400; Middle English, from French, Old French: “scent,” noun derivative of flairier “to reek,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin flāgrāre, dissimilated variant of Latin frāgrāre; fragrant

Word History and Origins

Origin of flair¹

C19: from French, literally: sense of smell, from Old French: scent, from flairier to give off a smell, ultimately from Latin frāgrāre to smell sweet; see _fragrant

Example Sentences

This 173-suite hotel was recently renovated and billed as “modern with Greek flair,” with a striking lobby, stark white interiors, massive columns, and plenty of marble.

From Salon

"David was a talented and sensitive person with a great flair for words and passion for his constituents."

From BBC

Flying wing Francesca McGhie scored twice to take her World Cup try tally to five, but it was not all straightforward as vintage Fijian flair and power kept the contest interesting.

From BBC

The crowd’s alternative style was imbued with Latin flair: Latinos in black vaquero boots clicked their heels against the concrete, while lace veils flowed above their carefully teased hair.

From Los Angeles Times

"I still have the flair, I still have the drive, and you guys give me the energy. Hopefully I can keep it going."

From BBC

Related Words

• ability 
• aptitude 
• elegance 
• genius 
• gift 
• glamour 
• knack 
• mastery 
• taste