brisk

[brisk]

adjective

brisker, briskest 

1. quick and active; lively.

   brisk trading;

   a brisk walk.

   Synonyms: alert, energetic, spry
   Antonyms: languid

2. sharp and stimulating: brisk wind.

   brisk weather;

   brisk wind.

3. (of liquors) effervescing vigorously.

   brisk cider.

4. abrupt; curt.

   I was surprised by her rather brisk tone.

verb (used with or without object)

brisked, brisking 

1. to make or become brisk; liven (often followed byup ).

brisk

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   a brisk walk

   trade was brisk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

verb

1. (often foll by up) to enliven; make or become brisk

Other Word Forms

• briskly adverb
• briskness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

C16: probably variant of _brusque

Example Sentences

Even a stroll outside in the brisk autumn air can be dampened by the stray glimpse of a red baseball cap.

Read more on Salon

Four brisk walks weekly for 30 minutes, ideally outdoors, can work wonders.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some of the recent films have done brisk business.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If your hatred for the show burns hotter than your oven’s broiler, there’s a brisk business in finding creative new ways to heap verbal compost on the titular host and all her endeavors.

Read more on Salon

With them, he says he’ll be working on a song, like “The Field,” which opens with seagulls singing into a brisk air, rolling waves and then a soft guitar.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• energetic 
• lively 
• quick 
• speedy 
• spry 
• vigorous