esprit
Americannoun
noun
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."
Vocabulary lists containing esprit
The Picture of Dorian Gray
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Christopher Mouse
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The president told NBC News it would be an exercise in generating some "esprit de corps" - suggesting that he saw an opportunity to galvanise his troops.
From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025
Hiller believes nicknames can be useful in developing an identity and esprit de corps for young players, who are typically lacking both.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2025
“Similarly, regarding workplace relationships I am proud of the professionalism, dedication and esprit de corp displayed in the workplace.”
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2023
But seen here, at comic-strip scale, they radiate imaginative esprit, thanks to the wonderful linear style — shivery and filigree-fine — of an 8th century artist who signed his name.
From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2023
“You can tell this isn’t a Marine base. There's no spirit here. No esprit de corps.”
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
