debonair
pronunciation
How to pronounce debonair in British English:
UK [ˌdebəˈneə(r)]
How to pronounce debonair in American English:
US [ˌdebəˈner]
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- Adjective:
- having a sophisticated charm
- having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
Word Origin
- debonair (adj.)
- c. 1200, "mild, gentle, kind courteous," from Old French debonaire, from de bon' aire "of good race," originally used of hawks, hence, "thoroughbred" (opposite of French demalaire). Used in Middle English to mean "docile, courteous," it became obsolete and was revived with an altered sense of "pleasant, affable" (1680s).
Example
- 1. So who is the debonair looking guy in the photograph above ?
- 2. In his youth , morgan was a dashing , debonair fighter pilot .
- 3. The headwaiter was debonair with the guests but firm with the waiters .
- 4. His debonair charm and magnetic good looks on screen captivated audiences around the globe .
- 5. But when meadow-sweet , debonair and odorous in amber jerkin , moved graciously to his place in the group , then the play was ready to begin .