debonair
UK[ˌdebəˈneə(r)]US[ˌdebəˈner]
adj
(especially of a man) charming, confident, and carefully dressed, in a way that is attractive but slightly old-fashioned
adj
cheerful and having no worries; carefree
Morpheme Breakdown
de
bon
air
de
of
bon
good
air
Etymology
the word 'debonair' entered english from the old french phrase 'de bon aire', which literally meant 'of good lineage' or 'of good disposition'. the phrase was used to describe a nobleman of gracious and gentle nature, a quality associated with high breeding. over time in english, the literal sense of noble birth receded, and the word came to emphasize the sophisticated, charming, and carefree manner stereotypically linked to that class. the modern meaning thus retains the core idea of 'good nature' but focuses on its outward manifestation in elegant, confident, and cheerful behavior.
Analysis
Structure: de + bon + air
de (from old french 'de', meaning 'of', from latin 'de', indicating origin or relation); bon (from old french 'bon', meaning 'good', from latin 'bonus', meaning 'good'); air (from old french 'aire', meaning 'nature, character, appearance', of uncertain origin, possibly from latin 'agere' (to act) or 'aera' (atmosphere, look)).
Examples
he had a debonair charm that made him very popular at social gatherings.
the actor played the role of a debonair spy with great style and wit.
despite the pressure, he maintained a debonair attitude throughout the crisis.