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Synonyms

esprit

American  
[e-spree] / ɛˈspri /

noun

  1. sprightliness of spirit or wit; lively intelligence.


esprit British  
/ ɛˈspriː /

noun

  1. spirit and liveliness, esp in wit

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of esprit

1585–95; < French < Latin spīritus spirit

Explanation

Someone with esprit is full of life, joy, and vigor. Your esprit might make you a lively camp counselor or an enthusiastic teacher. The quality of being vivacious and alive, smart and witty, can be summed up in the word esprit. Esprit isn't something everyone has, but people who do are positive and fun to be around. It's a French word that's been used in English since the 16th century, literally meaning "spirit," "soul," or "mind," from the Latin root spiritus, "spirit."

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