élan · noun — spirit; zeal; ardor. It carries an Arena rating of 1953, earned across 52 head-to-head judged battles.
Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, élan ranks #22 of 17,162 for Most Elegant Words, #304 of 17,165 for Most Beautiful Words, #1,564 of 17,187 for Most Malleable Words, #1,871 of 17,188 for Words That Escaped Their Books.
élan is pronounced /eɪˈlɑːn/.
Why “élan” is a great word
ÉLAN — [Noun] A vigorous spirit, enthusiasm, or ardor, often combined with a distinctive style or grace. Borrowed from French élan, meaning 'rush, impetus, dash,' from the verb élancer ('to dart, shoot forth'), itself from Old French eslancier, from es- ('out') + lancier ('to throw a lance'). Unlike 'enthusiasm,' which suggests a general eagerness, or 'momentum,' which denotes an impersonal physical force, élan is impetus fused with personality—the kinetic energy of character. It is the fluid certainty of a matador's veronica, the impossible buoyancy of a dancer mid-leap, and the decisive sweep of a pen signing a daring contract. A kinetic confidence, it throws the spirit ahead of the body in a beautiful, momentary defiance of gravity and doubt.
❧ Essay by Lexicurio’s AI · definition, etymology & citations from published sources
Etymology
Borrowed from French élan.
noun
- Spirit; zeal; ardor.e.g.“Sam, carried away by the élan of the performance, was unable to resist joining them.” — 1916, Booth Tarkington, Penrod and Sam, page 197:
- Grace; style (especially apparently effortless).e.g.“Mary Ellen had never seen any woman, with the exception of Abigail, take such an active role in the company of men, though Abigail did it with élan and never directly or conspicuously.” — 2001 10, Daniel Alef, Pale Truth, Titans of Fortune Publishing, →ISBN, page 189:
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- esprit 69% match — Spirit, enthusiasm. vs élan →
- enthusiasm 65% match — An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness. vs élan →
- ellen 64% match — Zeal. vs élan →
- exuberance 63% match — The quality of being exuberant; cheerful or vigorous enthusiasm; liveliness. vs élan →
- alacrity 63% match — Eagerness; liveliness; enthusiasm. vs élan →
- zeal 62% match — The fervour or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest. vs élan →
- ardent 61% match — Full of ardor; expressing passion, spirit, or enthusiasm. vs élan →
- elning 61% match — Comfort; grace. vs élan →