Debonair
Word of the Day
What is Debonair?
adjective
Confident, stylish, and charming — especially in a sophisticated or gentlemanly way.
Pronunciation
Why This Word?
Chosen for April 13, 2025, the day of the British Academy Television Awards, where charm and elegance take center stage.
Examples of Use
Here's how this word appears in everyday language:
The actor was praised for his debonair presence on the red carpet.
He walked into the room with a debonair air that turned every head.
Though aging, the gentleman remained effortlessly debonair.
Word Origins
From Old French de bon aire, meaning “of good appearance or disposition”.
Once used for general kindness, now refined to mean polished charm and suave manner.
First appearance in English: 13th century
Word Family
Related forms of this word:
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Adjective:
He looked effortlessly debonair in his tailored suit.
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Noun:
The actor’s debonairness won the crowd instantly.
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Adverb:
She smiled debonairly, as if nothing could go wrong.
Around the World
How this word appears in other languages:
- Spanish: galante / apuesto
- French: charmant / élégant
- German: elegant / weltmännisch
- Italian: affascinante / distinto
- Portuguese: charmoso / refinado
If you Already Know This Word
If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:
Suave
Also means charming and smooth, but with a stronger connotation of calculated charm.
Gallant
Old-fashioned elegance, often linked to heroic or courteous behavior.
Dashing
Energetic and stylish, but with a more adventurous edge.
Charismatic
Refers to charm through personal magnetism, not necessarily elegance.
Fun Facts
- “Debonair” was originally gender-neutral in Old French, but became associated with gentlemen in English.
- In 1939, “Debonair” was the name of a men’s fashion magazine — one of the first of its kind.
Cultural Usage
- James Bond is one of the most iconic examples of a debonair character — charming, stylish, and unflappable.
- Jay Gatsby is often described as debonair in appearance, though troubled beneath the surface.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes confused with “arrogant” or “flashy”, but debonair implies smooth elegance, not showiness.
Micro Story
He adjusted his cufflinks and smiled — debonair without trying, dangerous without meaning to be.