jaunty

jaun·ty

adj \ˈjȯn-tē, ˈjän-\

jaun·ti·erjaun·ti·est

Definition of JAUNTY

1

archaic a : stylish b : genteel

2

: sprightly in manner or appearance : lively <sporting a jaunty red beret> <a jaunty stroll>

— jaun·ti·ly \ˈjȯn-tə-lē, ˈjän-\ adverb

— jaun·ti·ness \ˈjȯn-tē-nəs, ˈjän-\ noun

Examples of JAUNTY

1. He struck a jaunty pose for the camera.
2. She was wearing a jaunty white cap.

Origin of JAUNTY

modification of French gentil

First Known Use: 1662

Related to JAUNTY

Synonyms: active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, lively, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy

Antonyms: dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid

Related Words: dapper, dashing, spiffy; agog, alert, awake, open-eyed, up, wide-awake; agile, nimble, spry; bright, buoyant, cheerful, chipper, chirpy, chirrupy, effervescent, sparkly, upbeat; eager, enthusiastic, keen; frolicsome, impish, pixieish, playful; boisterous, bubbly, ebullient, exuberant, high-spirited; high-strung, nervous, skittish

Near Antonyms: indolent, lazy, unambitious; inert, lethargic, sleepy, sluggish, tired, torpid, weary; apathetic, impassive, phlegmatic, stolid; boring, dull, irksome, tedious

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Rhymes with JAUNTY

Brontë, monte