panache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, literary, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “panache” mean?
A grand, confident, and stylish manner of doing things, especially one that is intended to impress.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A grand, confident, and stylish manner of doing things, especially one that is intended to impress; flamboyant confidence of style or action.
Sometimes used historically or in specialized contexts to refer to a plume or tuft of feathers, especially on a helmet, as a symbol of style. In modern usage, this meaning is rare and primarily evokes the metaphorical sense of the plume as a mark of flamboyance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. Slightly more common in British English due to French influence, but well-understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally positive in both.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both, but appears in similar contexts: arts criticism, sports journalism, profiles of charismatic individuals.
Grammar
How to Use “panache” in a Sentence
VERB + with + panache (e.g., 'He executed the plan with panache.')HAVE + panache (e.g., 'She has undeniable panache.')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “panache” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- He dismissed the critics with his customary panache.
- The wine was selected with considerable panache.
American English
- She handled the press conference with remarkable panache.
- The dish lacked flavor but was presented with panache.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Panached' is obsolete.
American English
- No standard adjective form.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in marketing or leadership contexts: 'The CEO launched the product with great panache.'
Academic
Rare, except in arts/history criticism.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound consciously sophisticated.
Technical
None.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “panache”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “panache”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “panache”
- Using it to mean simply 'skill' without the stylish element. Incorrect: 'He solved the math problem with panache.' (Unless his method was unusually elegant/flamboyant).
- Pronouncing it /ˈpænətʃ/ (like 'pan' + 'itch').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Always positive. It describes a stylish confidence that is admired.
Primarily for the actions or style of people (or groups like teams, orchestras). An object (e.g., a car) might be said to 'have panache', meaning it embodies a flamboyant style.
Using it as a synonym for mere skill or bravery, missing the essential component of stylish flair.
In British English: puh-NASH. In American English: puh-NASH or puh-NAHSH. The stress is always on the second syllable.
A grand, confident, and stylish manner of doing things, especially one that is intended to impress.
Panache is usually formal, literary, journalistic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'panache'. Related idiom: 'with a flourish'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a chef (PAN) who must ASH his cigarette but does it with such style (ACHE from the effort of being so cool) that everyone is impressed. PAN + ACHE = PANACHE.
Conceptual Metaphor
STYLE IS A PLUME (from the historical literal meaning). GRACEFUL PERFORMANCE IS DANCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'panache' used INCORRECTLY?