Panache
/pəˈnæʃ/
nounC1
Definition
Panache is a special kind of style and confidence that makes someone stand out. It is when a person does things in a way that looks lively, elegant, and full of energy. People often use panache to describe someone’s way of speaking, dressing, or acting that is very impressive and shows personality.
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See It in Action
A confident and stylish way of doing something
- •She spoke with panache that captured everyone's attention.
- •The dancer moved with great panache across the stage.
- •He answered the questions with panache, showing he knew the subject well.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "panache" like "style" (A1 word), but with extra confidence and energy that makes it exciting and noticeable
- ✓Picture a person walking into a room wearing bright clothes and smiling, making everyone look at them because they seem very sure and lively
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when you see someone perform on stage with great energy and charm that makes you want to watch more
- ✓Sounds like "pa-NASH" → imagine a flashy hat (like a feathered plume) on a proud person who moves with flair and grace
- ✓In stories, heroes or performers often have panache because they do things in a way that is both bold and charming
- ✓NOT like "shy" (quiet and nervous), panache is loud and confident
- ✓NOT like "plain" (simple and normal), panache is colorful and exciting
- ✓NOT just "style" (which can be quiet), panache always includes confidence and energy
Try Other Words
- •Flair: natural ability and style (Use when you want to emphasize talent and natural skill with style)
- •Confidence: belief in oneself (Use when focusing on the feeling inside that makes someone act boldly)
- •Elegance: graceful and stylish quality (Use when emphasizing smoothness and beauty in style)
- •Charisma: special charm that attracts others (Use when focusing on personal charm and attractiveness in social situations)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (none clearly separable, borrowed as a whole)
- •Etymology: From French, meaning a plume or feather worn on a hat, symbolizing bold style and confidence
- •Historical development: Originally described a feather decoration on hats in the 1600s, later used to mean stylish confidence in behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a person’s lively, confident, and stylish way of acting or speaking, often admired by others
Reflect & Connect
•How can showing panache help someone in situations like a job interview or a presentation?
•Can panache be learned, or is it something people are born with? How would you try to develop it?
Fill in the blanks
1.She answered the question with panache, making her ___ and knowledge clear to everyone.
2.When you have panache, people usually feel ___ by your confidence and style.
3.Panache is different from simple style because it always includes ___ and energy.
4.The actor walked on stage with panache, ___ the audience with his bold and lively presence.
5.To perform with panache, one must combine skill with ___ in their actions.
6.Panache often shows in the way someone ___ or dresses, not just what they say.
7.If a person is shy and quiet, we would say they do not have ___ in their behavior.