verve

[vurv]

noun

1. enthusiasm or vigor, as in literary or artistic work; spirit.

   Her latest novel lacks verve.

2. vivaciousness; liveliness; animation.

   I like a teacher with plenty of verve.

3. Archaic.,  talent.

verve

/ vɜːv /

noun

1. great vitality, enthusiasm, and liveliness; sparkle

2. a rare word for talent

Word History and Origins

Origin of verve¹

1690–1700; < French: enthusiasm, whim, chatter, apparently < Latin verba words, talk, plural (taken in VL as feminine singular) of verbum word; verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of verve¹

C17: from Old French: garrulity, from Latin verba words, chatter

Example Sentences

"The makers of this musical sequel have delivered a film that surpasses last year's box-office smash in verve, ambition and emotional ache."

Read more on BBC

Despite leading the nation to back-to-back Euros, the Scotland boss has often faced criticism for a cautious approach, but his team were full of verve and quality in that 2-0 win back in November 2021.

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A lively and fluent writer, Mr. Kurlansky, the author of books on the Basques, cod, salt and other subjects, brings the Boston milieu to life with sympathy, verve and dry humor.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

England had more moments of creativity and attacking verve here than they had shown in the previous two matches.

Read more on BBC

An earnest viewer can’t fault him for either reason, but circumventing some of the more frank aspects of his parents’ relationship leaves the film with some verve to be desired.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• gumption 
• gusto 
• intensity 
• liveliness www.thesaurus.com
• moxie 
• passion 
• pep 
• sparkle 
• spunk 
• stamina 
• toughness 
• vigor 
• vitality 
• zeal 
• zest