Sprezzatura

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A manner of performing tasks or presenting oneself with a smooth, effortless grace that conceals the effort involved
2. The appearance of ease and nonchalance in behavior or style that hides the hard work behind it
3. Displaying a casual elegance or refined style that seems natural and unstrained in actions or dress

Etymology: Baldassare Castiglione, the Italian diplomat and courtier, gave this word its meaning in 1528 in "Il Cortegiano" ("The Book of the Courtier"). In the book, he describes it as a quality that conceals the labour behind a polished performance, so that everything a courtier does seems done without effort and without thought. Castiglione built a whole ideal of gentlemanly grace around the idea. The word was borrowed into English from Italian, where it meant "nonchalance," and it took hold in English only in the mid-20th century. Its use has been especially common when describing art, where a painting, performance or piece of writing looks spontaneous while concealing careful craft.

Synonyms: nonchalance, insouciance, elegance, ease, effortlessness