flair

[flair]

noun

1. a natural talent, aptitude, or ability; bent; knack.

   a flair for rhyming.

2. smartness of style, manner, etc..

   Their window display has absolutely no flair at all.

   Synonyms: pizazz, oomph, verve, panache, dash, chic

3. keen, intuitive perception or discernment.

   We want a casting director with a real flair for finding dramatic talent.

4. Hunting.,  scent; sense of smell.

flair

¹

/ flɛə /

noun

1. natural ability; talent; aptitude

2. instinctive discernment; perceptiveness

3. stylishness or elegance; dash

   to dress with flair

4. rare,  hunting

   1. the scent left by quarry

   2. the sense of smell of a hound

flair

²

/ flIr /

noun

1. a Scot word for floor

Word History and Origins

Origin of flair¹

First recorded before 1350–1400; Middle English, from French, Old French: “scent,” noun derivative of flairier “to reek,” ultimately from unattested Vulgar Latin flāgrāre, dissimilated variant of Latin frāgrāre; fragrant

Word History and Origins

Origin of flair¹

C19: from French, literally: sense of smell, from Old French: scent, from flairier to give off a smell, ultimately from Latin frāgrāre to smell sweet; see _fragrant

Example Sentences

Beowulf tipped an imaginary hat and bowed with flair.

Read more on Literature

With a background in fashion and experience working at Violet bakery and Spring restaurant in London, Thompson brings a unique flair to his baking.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Erivo then launched into what she does best — a raw vocal performance with complicated runs, lots of belting and a jazzy flair, making “The Wizard and I” one of the best performances of the special.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Walking in after two early wickets - including the prolific mainstay Smriti Mandhana - she steadied the innings with superb technique, sharp match awareness, and bursts of flair.

Read more on BBC

The design also weaves Loewe’s pebble texture and On’s signature semitranslucent mesh, bound together with drawstring elastic laces for an athletic shoe with luxury flair.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ability 
• aptitude 
• elegance 
• genius 
• gift 
• glamour 
• knack 
• mastery 
• taste