What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Rakish vs Debonair - What's the difference?

rakish | debonair | Synonyms |

As adjectives the difference between rakish and debonair

is that rakish is dashingly, carelessly, or sportingly unconventional or stylish; jaunty; characterized by a devil-may-care unconventionality; having a somewhat disreputable quality or appearance while debonair is gracious, courteous.

rakish

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • dashingly, carelessly, or sportingly unconventional or stylish; jaunty; characterized by a devil-may-care unconventionality; having a somewhat disreputable quality or appearance.
    • ... the rakish Dennis Quaid, a Houston native who is moving to Texas in a couple of years and wants it to become "the new Hollywood." (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)
  • (dated) like a rake; dissolute; profligate
  • * Macaulay
    • The arduous task of converting a rakish lover.

    Anagrams

    *

    debonair

    English

    Alternative forms

    * debonaire

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (obsolete) Gracious, courteous.
  • * 1590 , Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene , II.vi:
    • Let be that Ladie debonaire , / Thou recreant knight, and soone thy selfe prepaire / To battell [...].
  • Suave, urbane and sophisticated.
  • (especially of men) Charming, confident and carefully dressed.

    • Anagrams

    *