jaunty

IPA/ˈdʒɔːnti/
KK[dʒˈɔnti]IPA/ˈdʒɔːnti/

jaunty — adjective

  • jauntypositive
  • jauntiercomparative
  • jauntiestsuperlative

1. having or showing a lively, cheerful confidence in your own manner, movements, o

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having or showing a lively, cheerful confidence in your own manner, movements, or appearance — for example, walking with a bounce in your step after hearing good news, or speaking with a light-hearted energy that others notice.

例句

Owen walked into the room with a jaunty step after hearing he got the job.

collocation: jaunty step

The old musician whistled a jaunty tune as he packed up his guitar.

collocation: jaunty tune

同義詞
  • cheerful

    focuses on inner happiness rather than outward, visible confidence

  • lively

    general term for energy and animation; broader in scope than jaunty

  • sprightly

    similar to jaunty but often used for older people with youthful energy

  • chipper

    informal synonym for a bright, upbeat manner, especially in American English

反義詞
  • somber

    a serious, heavy mood opposite to jaunty lightness

  • dour

    a stern, gloomy manner that lacks any cheerful confidence

文法句型

jaunty + noun (step / tune / wave / air)

be + jaunty (of a person or their manner)

用法筆記

Predicative use (e.g. 'She seems jaunty') typically describes a person's general demeanor; attributive use (e.g. 'a jaunty step') often describes a specific mannerism or movement. The word carries a mildly literary or light-hearted tone — it is less common in very formal writing.

常見錯誤

❌She felt very jaunty after finishing her homework.
✅She felt very cheerful after finishing her homework.
💡'jaunty' describes an outward manner or visible confidence, not an inner feeling of satisfaction.
❌He was jaunty because of the hot weather.
✅He was in a jaunty mood despite the rainy weather.
💡'jaunty' has no connection to temperature; it describes a confident, lively spirit regardless of conditions.

2. looking smart, fashionable, and pleasingly neat in a way that draws positive att

2.形容詞B2
釋義

looking smart, fashionable, and pleasingly neat in a way that draws positive attention — especially describing a bold or playful detail in someone's clothing or accessories.

例句

Justin wore a jaunty little hat that tilted slightly to one side.

collocation: jaunty hat

Reema's jaunty red scarf brought life to her otherwise plain coat.

同義詞
  • stylish

    broader term; jaunty adds a playful, bold quality that 'stylish' does not require

  • smart

    British English term for neat and fashionably dressed; more about tidiness than boldness

  • dapper

    used almost exclusively for men's neat, stylish appearance; jaunty works for both genders and on objects

反義詞
  • drab

    lacking brightness or style; the opposite of the bold, eye-catching quality of jaunty

  • frumpy

    dowdy and old-fashioned in dress, lacking any stylish flair

文法句型

jaunty + noun (hat / scarf / dress)

look + jaunty (of clothing or a person dressed)

用法筆記

Most often used attributively to describe a specific accessory or garment rather than a person's overall style. The item is usually playful or slightly bold — a plain, neutral outfit would not be described as jaunty.

常見錯誤

❌He looked very jaunty in his plain grey suit.
✅He looked very jaunty in his bright red jacket with a silk handkerchief.
💡'jaunty' implies a stylish, attention-grabbing boldness, not just being neat or presentable.