adjective
dapper
DAP-er/ˈdæpər/
Neat and stylish in dress or appearance.
He looks dapper in his navy suit and polished shoes.
Etymology
The ancestor meant “bold, strong, sturdy,” whereas English used the word for someone elegant, neat, and trim. The source suggests this change may have been ironic.
In context
always fairly a smart dresser even though we were working in sort of a manual situation. He was he was quite dapper in his ways
More examples
- She cuts a dapper figure in a tailored jacket.
- Even in casual clothes, Marcus manages to look dapper.
- A bright bow tie makes his plain outfit look dapper.
Forms
dapper · dapperer · dapperest
dapperness noun — The quality of looking neat and stylish.
dapperly adverb — In a neat and stylish manner.
Similar words
- spruce
- Emphasizes a freshly groomed, tidy appearance rather than fashionable flair.
- stylish
- Emphasizes fashion or elegance without necessarily suggesting neatness.
- debonair
- Adds charm and confident manners to a polished appearance.