élan
Vigorous stylish flair
Élan is spirited enthusiasm, vigorous style, or distinctive flair.
The word suggests confident energy and panache: She performed with élan, He tackled the project with characteristic élan.
Borrowed from French, it carries a slight air of sophistication—you might describe a dancer's élan or a writer's élan, but rarely a lumberjack's.
Active physical strength
- vivacityAnimated spirit or energy
- enthusiasmIntense eager enjoyment
- zestKeen enjoyment or peel
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
verve · dynamism · energy · liveliness · animation · exuberance · gusto · pep
vigor
Active physical strength
- vivacityAnimated spirit or energy
- enthusiasmIntense eager enjoyment
- zestKeen enjoyment or peel
spirit · verve · dynamism · energy · liveliness · animation · exuberance · gusto · pep · sparkle
panache
Flamboyant confidence of manner
finesse · sophistication · polish · grace · dash · swagger · aplomb · chic · savoir-faire · poise
impetus
Force initiating action
- driveOperate a vehicle
- thrustForceful forward motion
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
charge · surge · push · force · rush · sweep · onrush · breakthrough · advance · leap
élanlethargy
Abnormal drowsiness and apathy
torpor · sluggishness · listlessness · languor · inertia
élangracelessness
Lack of smooth movement
clumsiness · awkwardness · drabness · blandness · colorlessness
élandespondency
Profound loss of hope
dejection · dispirit · defeatism · gloom · melancholy