spirited

[spir-i-tid]

adjective

1. having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, liveliness, etc..

   a spirited defense of poetry.

   Synonyms: mettlesome, courageous, vigorous, lively, energetic, active, ardent, vivacious, animated

spirited

/ ˈspɪrɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying animation, vigour, or liveliness

2. (in combination) characterized by mood, temper, or disposition as specified

   high-spirited

   public-spirited

Other Word Forms

• spiritedly adverb
• spiritedness noun
• nonspirited adjective
• nonspiritedly adverb
• nonspiritedness noun
• quasi-spirited adjective
• quasi-spiritedly adverb
• unspirited adjective
• unspiritedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirited¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; spirit + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Steve Tandy's side produced a spirited display as they scored the most amount of points against New Zealand in Cardiff but they also conceded 50 points at home for the third time this year.

Read more on BBC

Such moments remind us that The Beatles’ attainments were the result of spirited collaboration involving a like-minded group of dedicated artists, producers, and engineers.

Read more on Salon

That connection soon gave way to a spirited but good-natured disagreement on economic policy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not in a bad way, but in a light spirited way like, this life is kind of nonsense so just have fun.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

First Minister John Swinney posted on social media: "Fabulously well done. Such a joy to watch such an amazing, spirited performance."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• animated 
• bold 
• bright 
• courageous 
• energetic 
• enthusiastic 
• fearless 
• fiery 
• gutsy 
• passionate 
• peppy 
• resolute 
• spunky 
• vigorous