spirited

American  

[spir-i-tid] / ˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

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

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spirited British  

/ ˈspɪrɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying animation, vigour, or liveliness

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

   high-spirited

   public-spirited

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of spirited

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

Example Sentences

Fern, whose pen name wouldn’t be widely familiar until 1851, was a bright and spirited girl whose time at a religious school failed to subdue her.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 30-year-old's desire to make a dent in the head-to-head was evident in a spirited second-set display but he was ultimately unable to match Zverev once the German raised his level.

From BBC

The dogs, valued at $2,300, were spirited out of the Lilongwe palace between Sept. 19 and Oct.

From The Wall Street Journal

Liverpool score two late goals to add shine to their FA Cup third round victory over spirited League One side Barnsley at Anfield.

From BBC

With a spirited display in Thursday's goalless draw against leaders Arsenal, Arne Slot's side became the first visiting team to take a Premier League point at Emirates Stadium since Manchester City in September.

From BBC

Related Words

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