spirited

[spir-i-tid]

adjective

1. having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, liveliness, etc..

   a spirited defense of poetry.

   Synonyms: mettlesome, courageous, vigorous, lively, energetic, active, ardent, vivacious, animated

spirited

/ ˈspɪrɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying animation, vigour, or liveliness

2. (in combination) characterized by mood, temper, or disposition as specified

   high-spirited

   public-spirited

Other Word Forms

• spiritedly adverb
• spiritedness noun
• nonspirited adjective
• nonspiritedly adverb
• nonspiritedness noun
• quasi-spirited adjective
• quasi-spiritedly adverb
• unspirited adjective
• unspiritedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirited¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; spirit + -ed ³

Example Sentences

That connection soon gave way to a spirited but good-natured disagreement on economic policy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Not in a bad way, but in a light spirited way like, this life is kind of nonsense so just have fun.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

First Minister John Swinney posted on social media: "Fabulously well done. Such a joy to watch such an amazing, spirited performance."

Read more on BBC

Whatever the reason, she decided there was no time like the present to lead the children in a spirited and exceedingly loud performance of the Swanburne school song.

Read more on Literature

His chestnut pony, Starburst, is as spirited and high-strung as Rainbow is gentle and sweet.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• animated 
• bold 
• bright 
• courageous 
• energetic 
• enthusiastic 
• fearless 
• fiery 
• gutsy 
• passionate 
• peppy 
• resolute 
• spunky 
• vigorous