Jaunty
Carefree; lively and self-confident in a stylish, somewhat playful way.
adjectiveJaunty
Carefree; lively and self-confident in a stylish, somewhat playful way.
adjectiveImagine 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.
Sounds Like
JAWN-tee
Looks Like
jaunt + y
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.
Other Forms
Connect With
cheerful, breezy, perky, sprightly, dapper
Note
Commonly used with nouns like demeanor, stride, hat, or smile. Avoid confusing with gaunt (thin) or 'jaunt' (a short trip).
Study Deeper
- She wore a jaunty hat and walked with a jaunty stride.
- His jaunty grin put everyone at ease.
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.
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.