brisk

American  

[brisk] / brɪsk /

adjective

• brisker,
  comparative
• briskest
  superlative

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.

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verb (used with or without object)

brisked, brisking

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

brisk British  

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   a brisk walk

   trade was brisk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• briskness
  noun
• briskly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Adjectives

• brisker
  comparative
• briskest
  superlative

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Etymology

Origin of brisk

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

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Explanation

Brisk is one of those delightful words that sounds like what it means: quick, lively, bracing, and refreshing. There's nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get the blood flowing and the spirit ready for the day. Anything brisk is happening quickly but not too fast. Probably taken from the French brusque, which also means "quick," but in a more negative way, brisk can be used to describe not only physical actions but also more conceptual notions, such as brisk business around the holidays or brisk interactions at a speed-dating event. The soft-drink called Brisk must be called that for a good reason. Perhaps it picks you up!

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

brisk brisker briskest brisked brisking

However, with high pressure centred across the north of the UK, a brisk easterly breeze will affect southern and eastern areas on Tuesday.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

Analysts are parsing the impact of Robinhood’s brisk rollout of new services and products.

From Barron's ● Oct. 27, 2026

“Wicker” is brisk, visual storytelling boosted by Sofi Marshall’s clever editing and Lol Crawley’s assured camerawork.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 22, 2026

She portrays both Erika’s brisk efficiency in managing her father’s affairs and, in a lower emotional register, her deep sadness about her brother.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

With a brisk nod, she steps back and puts one hand on Lily’s shoulder.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

The show, the first in a five-part series, is considerably brisker than that.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

While heatwave conditions will continue across many parts of England and Wales through this coming week, a brisker wind means temperatures have dropped a degree or two relative to recent days.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

We would be in a better place if the speed had been brisker.

From Salon ● Jul. 27, 2023

Musicians and tech people have all become brisker about interactions, communicating online and speaking quickly and efficiently in rehearsals.

From New York Times ● Jul. 27, 2022

One morning there was a different smell in the air, and the ship was moving oddly, with a brisker rocking from side to side instead of the plunging and soaring.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman

Mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly accelerated in August to the briskest pace since April and firms reported input price pressures eased to the lowest since late 2020.

From Reuters ● Aug. 18, 2022

The planets are putting on an amazing celestial show nightly, and many regions of the country are about to host some of the briskest bird traffic of the year.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 21, 2021

Ms. Mearns, never rushed by this, creates marvelous dynamic variety within it, often finding time to phrase with seeming slowness, while rising to its briskest passages as if riding the full power of a wave.

From New York Times ● Sep. 23, 2015

British factories followed Asia's lead, increasing activity at the fastest rate in seven months while creating new jobs in at the briskest pace in more than three years.

From Reuters ● Jul. 1, 2014

After the Six Nations left Albany, many of them were taken sick on their Way Home, before they reached the Mohawk Castles, and a considerable Number of the briskest young Men of the Mohawks died.

From The History of the Five Indian Nations of Canada Attachments and Support Papers by Cadwallader Colden

‘At any rate, the deadly lively time has brisked you all up,’ said Bertha, laughing.

From That Stick by Charlotte Mary Yonge

Bakers' shops were piled high with WEIHNACHTSSTOLLEN, which were a special mark of the festival: cakes shaped like torpedoes, whose sugared, almonded coats brisked brown and tempting.

From Maurice Guest by Henry Handel Richardson

Now, however, she brisked up, and insisted upon hearing the whole story.

From The Red Derelict by Bertram Mitford

His healthy side brisked up as he turned and looked toward a door to the left: "Ragni!" he called.

From In God's Way A Novel by Bj?rnstjerne Bj?rnson

Leaving the pace to the piebald, he brisked along in review.

From Lonesome Town by Ethel Dorrance

The two friends entered The Hague, brisking up their pace and stepping gallantly abreast.

From The Blue Pavilions by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch

As I write the breeze is brisking up, doors are beginning to slam: and shutters; a strong draught sweeps round the balcony; it looks doubtful for to-morrow.

From Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson — Volume 2 by Robert Louis Stevenson

“Oh rather,” he assented, brisking up at the prospect of a row.

From A Frontier Mystery by Bertram Mitford

"Such a charming musical evening—such a treat!" said she, brisking up, and quite unaware of what had been passing round her the last two hours.

From Bluebell A Novel by Mrs. George Croft Huddleston

“He wandered off by himself,” Major Coote answered, brisking up a little.

From Athelstane Ford by Allen Upward

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Related Words

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

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