rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjauntyCheerfully confident
adjective

jaunty

JAWN-tee/ˈdʒɔːnti/

Lively and cheerfully self-confident in manner or appearance.

She walks into the room with a jaunty smile.

Cheerful adult walks with a jaunty lifted step, jaunty tilted cap and swinging arm, confident smile, simple ground stroke.
Etymology
jauntyFrenchnice, pleasing

From gentil, “nice, pleasing,” jaunty first described someone elegant or stylish. It then shifted toward an easy, sprightly manner—the lively confidence emphasized in its current meaning.

In context

Storytime Haven59:36
He walked with a jaunty air, and seemed to be on the best of terms with himself and the world in general.
A Prince of Swindlers 👑💰 | A Tale of Deceit and Adventure by Guy Boothby

More examples

  • He wears his cap at a jaunty angle.
  • A jaunty tune plays as the parade begins.
  • After the good news, her step seems jauntier.

Forms

jaunty · jauntier · jauntiest

jauntily adverb — In a lively, cheerfully confident manner.

jauntiness noun — A lively, cheerfully confident manner or appearance.

Similar words

sprightly
Emphasizes lively energy and movement rather than self-confidence.
buoyant
Emphasizes an upbeat, hopeful mood rather than stylish confidence.
debonair
Emphasizes polished charm and sophistication rather than lively cheerfulness.