flourish
FLUR-ish
/ˈflʌr.ɪʃ/
A bold, showy, or decorative gesture; to grow or develop vigorously.
In magic, a flourish is a highly visible, decorative movement (like a fancy card fan) designed to show off skill and add style.
The story behind the word. From Old French floriss-, stem of florir (to blossom, bloom), from Latin flos (flower). In performance, it came to mean a bold, decorative, or showy gesture.
Word relationships
- embellishment: Embellishment is a general decorative addition, while a flourish is a physical, active gesture of showmanship.
- understatement: Understatement is a minimal, plain presentation, the opposite of a showy flourish.
Commonly confused with
- gesture: A gesture is any movement of the hands or body, while a flourish is specifically a decorative, showy movement.
Word family
- flourishing (adjective): Thriving or growing vigorously.
Collocations
- dramatic flourish
- final flourish
- perform with a flourish
Example sentences
- "He finished the card trick with a dramatic flourish, throwing the cards into the air." The conclusion of a performance.
Memory hook
A flourish is like a flower blooming suddenly in a dramatic display. Showy display.
When not to use
Do not use to describe subtle, hidden movements; a flourish is meant to be seen.
Fun facts
- In calligraphy, a flourish is a decorative loop or curl added to a letter to show off the writer's penmanship.
Related words
Explore more words
embellish, Flamboyant, sprout, pageantry, burgeoning, vivacious
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