Dapperness
/ˈdæp.ər.nəs/noun
The quality of being neat, stylish, and smart in appearance.
Did you know?Dapper comes from a Middle English word meaning ‘strong’ or ‘brave,’ so its modern meaning of neat elegance is a surprisingly softened descendant of an older, more forceful idea.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dap-
“to fit, be suitable”
Late Latin
Latin
daptare
“to fit, adapt, make suitable”
Middle English
English
dapper
“brave, stout, strong, or well-proportioned”
Early Modern English
English
dapper
“neat, trim, and smart in appearance”
Modern English
English
dapperness
“the quality of being neat, stylish, and smart in appearance”