brio

[ bree-oh; Italian bree-aw ]

noun

1. vigor; vivacity.

brio

/ ˈbriːəʊ /

noun

1. liveliness or vigour; spirit See also con brio

Word History and Origins

Origin of brio¹

First recorded in 1725–35; from Italian, from Spanish brío “energy, determination,” from assumed Celtic brīgos; compare Old Irish bríg (feminine) “power, strength, force,” Middle Welsh bri (masculine) “honor, dignity, authority”

Word History and Origins

Origin of brio¹

C19: from Italian, of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

And speaking of Cade, Sessions’ flamboyant performance as the agent of anarchy bounds across the stage with a “Spamalot”-level of madcap brio.

From Los Angeles Times

More than a year after the Russian invasion, a British humanitarian aid worker who traveled often to Ukraine returned to his Stratford base, bearing — with a measure of Shakespearean brio — extraordinary tidings.

From Los Angeles Times

“Don’t Arraign on His Parade” — this one provoked by the Georgia indictment — brought out the singer’s Funny Girl brio.

From Los Angeles Times

But few writers could assemble dry facts and telling details with more gusto and brio.

From New York Times

With narrative elegance, formal brio and exquisite feeling, Cooper ushers Felicia into the spotlight and sometimes shunts the attention-hogging Lenny off into the wings.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• liveliness
• verve