Élan, pronounced ay-LAHN, is a noun signifying energy and enthusiasm. It describes a vibrant and spirited manner, often seen in performances or individuals. For instance, dancers might perform with great style and élan, captivating their audience. Similarly, a leading man in a production could carry it with the élan of a cheerful college quarterback, making him immediately likable. The word élan was adopted into English in the mid-19th century from French. Its French origins trace back to the Middle French noun eslan, meaning "rush." This, in turn, derived from the verb (s')eslancer, meaning "to rush" or "to hurl oneself forth." Interestingly, an earlier English verb, elance, meaning "to throw," existed in the early 18th century. Elance also stemmed from (s')eslancer, but it fell into disuse by the mid-19th century. When English speakers adopted élan, they discarded its literal French meaning of "rush" or "dash." Instead, they retained and emphasized the figurative sense of enthusiastic animation. This vigorous spirit can also be described using words like dash, spunk, or vim.