Vigor, style, and confidence in the way someone does something, marked by liveliness and enthusiasm. She danced with great elan across the stage.
From French élan, which comes from Old French eslancer meaning 'to rush forward' or 'to launch.' The root relates to lance (a weapon you hurl), suggesting forward momentum and dynamic energy.
French élan perfectly captures something English speakers struggle with—that combination of speed, grace, and confidence. The connection to 'lance' (throwing a weapon) shows how the French imagined enthusiasm as a kind of forward-thrusting energy. It's why we use it to describe style that can't be faked.
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