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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

debonair

Adjective

IPA /ˌdebəˈneə(r)/

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Meaning in plain English

Stylish, confident and pleasantly relaxed in social situations.

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Pronunciation

debonair/ˌdebəˈneə(r)/

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  1. Stylish appearance

  2. Easy confidence in company

A debonair person combines style with relaxed social charm.

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  1. The film's debonair hero greeted everyone with an easy smile.
  2. Her essay compares the actor's debonair appearance with his nervous character.

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debonair — Stylish, confident and pleasantly relaxed in social situations.

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Stylish, confident and pleasantly relaxed in social situations.

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Word origin

From Old French debonaire, from a phrase meaning of good disposition.

Did you know?

Debonair manner and debonair charm describe confident social style.

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debonair

/ˌdebəˈneə(r)/ (Adjective)

“Old-fashioned and usually used about men. It suggests both style and ease with people.”

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