Vocabulary in context
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Jaunty
Carefree; lively and self-confident in a stylish, somewhat playful way.
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Imagine This
The three friendly ghosts that haunted the house were always carefree and jolly because they loved to scare people who came into the house.
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Sounds Like
JAWN-tee
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Looks Like
jaunt + y
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Remember This
Jaunty conveys a breezy, stylish confidence and can describe a person's walk, demeanor, or manner. It does not imply arrogance or recklessness.
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Other Forms
jauntinessnoun
jauntilyadverb
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Connect With
cheerful, breezy, perky, sprightly, dapper
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Note
Commonly used with nouns like demeanor, stride, hat, or smile. Avoid confusing with gaunt (thin) or 'jaunt' (a short trip).
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She wore a jaunty hat and walked with a jaunty stride.
- His jaunty grin put everyone at ease.
Synonyms
cheerfulperkysprightlylivelyblithe
Antonyms
sombergloomymournful
Etymology
From the noun 'jaunt' meaning a short excursion; the suffix -y forms the adjective. The sense of 'carefree, stylish' emerged in the 18th–19th centuries.
Mnemonic
JAUNTY = JAUNT + Y. Imagine a person on a short, breezy trip who carries himself with a stylish, carefree air—hence jaunty.
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Prevail
verbTo be more powerful or successful than opposing forces; to win or triumph; also to persuade someone to do something (as in prevail upon).
Debacle
nounA sudden and complete failure or fiasco; a chaotic collapse of a plan or event
Charlatan
nounA person who pretends to have knowledge or skill they do not possess; a fraud or faker.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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