elan

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "elan" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a French word that means "enthusiasm or flair". It is usually used to describe a creative energy or enthusiasm for an activity. For example, "She was filled with elan as she began her new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

You can see him falling on his metaphorical sword with defiant elan.

The Guardian - Film

Still, he dreams of something with a little more elan, when finances permit.

The Economist

The author, who wrote with elan about Hong Kong in his novel "Fragrant Harbour", does so again with fine depictions of his grandparents' internment by the Japanese in wartime Hong Kong.He uses his imagination to describe his mother's feelings as a banker's wife after years cloistered in a netherworld.

The Economist

Heck, Erick Erickson is still denouncing House Republicans for failing to "stand your ground", because the final version of a continuing resolution they sent to the Senate no longer demands the complete defunding of Obamacare.There is no equivalent on the moderate-Republican side to the organisational muscle and rhetorical elan that propels the party's tea-party wing.

The Economist

And, liberated from his corrosive rivalry with Mr Blair, he may no longer be the thing he was, finding the elan and confidence to give power away instead of hoarding it, as he once did when ceding control over interest rates to an independent Bank of England in 1997.Or a weather-maker?The obvious way to signal change would be to hold a snap election.

The Economist

He said his first Hamlet was the best, because "what one gains with age and experience one often loses in youthful fire and elan".

The Economist

One variant is that Nicolas Sarkozy, the president of France, intervened with panache and elan to prevent catastrophe, brokering a ceasefire deal in a way that only a big European country could have done.

The Economist

If he does not, the doubts could grow quite quickly.Mr Cameron's strategy of popping up all over the place sounding terribly decent and looking as if he belongs in the 21st century is working a treat and he is carrying it off with elan.

The Economist

When that boom busts, the gain in Spain will turn mainly into pain.Spanish capitalism, for all its new-found foreign elan, is still a clannish affair, with banks holding locking stakes in companies and firms holding cross-shareholdings in each other, which limits the proportion of shares that float freely.

The Economist

Seeing off the £15 Dunlop market-leader with impressive elan (even though they cost three times as much), Hunter's white rectangular tag has become something of a festival staple.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It follows the Birmingham Corporation railway line around Elan Valley's four reservoirs.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elan" to describe a performance, action, or style that is carried out with noticeable enthusiasm, energy, and flair. It suggests a distinctive and stylish quality.

Common error

Avoid using "elan" to describe situations lacking inherent style, skill or energy. It is typically inappropriate in mundane or negative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "elan" is as a noun, typically referring to a distinctive and stylish flair or vigor. It often describes how something is done, emphasizing the energy and enthusiasm involved. Ludwig AI confirms this through example sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Social Media

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elan" is a noun that describes a stylish and spirited flair, often used to commend enthusiastic performances or actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's common in News & Media sources, as well as Encyclopedias, and holds a neutral register, suitable for both professional and informal settings. While "elan" shares semantic space with words like "flair", "panache" and "ardor", it uniquely implies an elegant and confident execution. Remember to use "elan" in contexts where style and enthusiasm are prominent and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flair

Focuses more on distinctive style or talent.

panache

Highlights confident and stylish manner.

ardor

Emphasizes intense feelings and passion.

zeal

Highlights enthusiasm and dedication towards a goal.

dash

Implies spirited and stylish action.

verve

Emphasizes energy and enthusiasm in performance.

gusto

Highlights enjoyment and enthusiasm in doing something.

spirit

Refers to enthusiasm and energy.

vim

Highlights energy and enthusiasm.

enthusiasm

Directly conveys a feeling of excitement and eagerness.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "elan" in a sentence?

Use "elan" to describe actions or performances that are carried out with noticeable enthusiasm, flair, and style. For example, "She performed the piece with great elan."

What are some alternatives to "elan"?

You can use alternatives like "flair", "panache", or "ardor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "elan" a formal word?

"Elan" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing enthusiastic style, but consider your audience and the specific tone you want to achieve. More informal options include "gusto" or "vim".

What's the difference between "elan" and "enthusiasm"?

"Elan" implies a stylish, spirited quality in addition to enthusiasm. While "enthusiasm" simply denotes excitement and eagerness, "elan" suggests a refined and confident execution.