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

Export growth from Asia’s fourth largest economy likely picked up in November amid brisk semiconductor demand.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Temperatures hovered in the low 40s — brisk, but manageable — and a steady wind kept the giant balloons flying lower than usual.

Read more on Salon

To me, waking up on a brisk fall Saturday and getting ready for game day is synonymous with the college experience.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The weather was brisk, and she could hardly go traipsing around Saint Petersburg without a wrap.

Read more on Literature

Nothing unkind was meant by the brisk efficiency of these celebrations.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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