ˈɑːdə ˈɑːɹdəɹ dæʃ eɪˈlɑːn flɛə̯ flɛɚ̯ pəˈnæʃ staɪl ziːl zil enthusiastic and assured vigor and liveliness a performance of great elan and sophistication distinctive and stylish elegance he wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause) they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor he felt a kind of religious zeal