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

• spiritedness noun
• spiritedly adverb
• 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

Marking its 25th anniversary, Saffronart's recent auction saw a packed room, spirited bidding, and a rare "white glove" result - every lot sold, with some attendees even "squabbling" over artworks, according to an attendee.

Read more on BBC

He enjoyed talking to the press—candid, free spirited and cocky.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sèvres porcelain traditionally exists in spirited tension between sculpture and decoration, functional object and art.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The collection ends with the title track, a spirited duet with Sabrina Carpenter that doubles as a cautionary tale about stardom.

Read more on BBC

Clark missed the last 19 regular-season games and the Fever’s spirited playoff run because of a right groin strain and a bone bruise in her left ankle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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