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

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

Her step was brisk out of habit, but the news was bad.

Read more on Literature

Midweek stays cold with brisk northerly winds, and sleet and snow showers are likely, mainly along northern and eastern coasts, as well as Northern Ireland, west Wales, and possibly the moors of south-west England.

Read more on BBC

Meanwhile, its economy struggled to recover the brisk growth of a decade earlier, and government debt climbed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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