Flair or Flare?

What Is the Difference between "Flair" and "Flare"?

"Flair" and "flare" are easy to confuse because they sound identical (i.e., they are perfect homonyms).

• Flair. "Flair" means natural ability. For example:
• He has a natural flair for languages.
• Flare. "Flare" means a device for creating light (like a firework), a brief burst of light, or a gradual widening at one end. For example:
• Send up a flare to mark our position, sergeant.
• The sudden flare ruined my night vision.
• His trousers have a remarkable flare.


Flair

The abstract noun "flair" means to have a natural talent or a knack for something. It also means to do something with a distinct elegance.

Example sentences with "flair":
• Their ideas might now need some of your creative flair.
• Starting out to make money is the greatest mistake in life. Do what you feel you have a flair for doing, and if you are good enough at it, the money will come. (Actress Greer Garson)

Flare

The noun "flare" denotes a brief burst of bright flame or light. It is also the name for a firework-style rocket used for illumination. "Flare" can also mean a gradual expanding in shape.

Example sentences with "flare":
• Flares are used for signalling, illumination, or defensive countermeasures in civilian and military applications.
• People wearing flared jeans today want to style these 1970s inspired jeans in ways that are definitely 21st century.
"Flare" can also be used as a verb meaning to burst into flame or to gradually become wider at one end. For example:
• His last match flared lighting our faces.
• Her dress does not flare at the bottom.


This page was written by Craig Shrives.