debonair

American  

[deb-uh-nair] / ˌdɛb əˈnɛər /

Also debonaire,

adjective

1. courteous, gracious, and having a sophisticated charm.

   a debonair gentleman.

   Synonyms:

   polished, elegant, suave, urbane

2. jaunty; carefree; sprightly.

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debonair British  

/ ˌdɛbəˈnɛə /

adjective

1. suave and refined

2. carefree; light-hearted

3. courteous and cheerful; affable

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• debonairness
  noun
• debonairly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of debonair

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English debone(i)re, from Anglo-French; Old French debonaire; the original phrase was de bon aire “of good lineage”

Explanation

Someone debonair is charming or suave. They have good manners, and they probably look good, too. This French word has a fancy feel to it, and it is a fancy kind of word. Being debonair is a specific form of being charming that applies mostly to men. When you're debonair, you impress women, other men, and pretty much everyone with your manners, wit, and style. Debonair is a little bit of an old-fashioned word. Old movie stars like Cary Grant were often called debonair, but not many people are today.

Related Words

• affable
• dashing
• suave
• urbane