animal spirits

noun

1. exuberance arising from an excess of energy; vivacity and good humor.

   The children romped on the lawn, full of animal spirits.

animal spirits

plural noun

1. cheerful and exuberant boisterousness

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal spirits¹

First recorded in 1535–45

Word History and Origins

Origin of animal spirits¹

originally, referring to a vital force believed to be dispatched throughout the body by the brain

Example Sentences

Perhaps his presence unleashed the animal spirits at Bethpage Black.

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Labour has a job on its hands at conference, and at the Budget, to restore the animal spirits of UK business.

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Banking tycoon Uday Kotak is among many who've raised concerns recently about India's fading "animal spirits", urging young business owners who had inherited companies to build new businesses rather than sitting tight and managing their existing wealth.

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However, he conceded that uncertainty caused by Trump's policy on trade tariffs was weighing on companies' "animal spirits" and their appetite for investment.

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It is a critical few months for the animal spirits in the economy to reignite.

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