Pronunciation: é-læn

Part of Speech: Noun, mass

Meaning:
1. Vigorous enthusiasm, passionate commitment to an undertaking, ardor, zeal.
2. Grace and flair, impressive style for some undertaking.

Elan is a simple sounding word that means liveliness, flash and panache. Coming from a French word meaning "to dart," someone with elan can be said to dart around with enthusiasm and a unique flair. Music or art can have elan, and so can someone's wardrobe. Elan can also mean zeal or eagerness in favor of a person or cause. So don't let this boring sounding noun fool you. Elan has a lot of pizazz up its sleeve.