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

   public-spirited

   high-spirited

Derived Forms

• ˈspiritedness, noun
• ˈspiritedly, adverb

Other Words From

• spirit·ed·ly adverb
• spirit·ed·ness noun
• non·spirit·ed adjective
• non·spirit·ed·ly adverb
• non·spirit·ed·ness noun
• quasi-spirit·ed adjective
• quasi-spirit·ed·ly adverb
• un·spirit·ed adjective
• un·spirit·ed·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirited¹

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

Example Sentences

Bregy said staff consistently monitored the “spirited demonstrations” this week and “acted swiftly to de-escalate when expressions crossed into disruption.”

From Los Angeles Times

Judging from the torrent of polling divinations, spirited debate and reportage dedicated to the potential ballot choices of our sons, brothers, husbands and uncles, women’s voting trends must be stagnant or just simpler, right?

From Los Angeles Times

“She could be very spirited and quite bold and fierce in what she wanted to say.”

From BBC

“It was a spirited debate,” he said when I commented on the barbed tone.

From Los Angeles Times

A spirited storyteller, he recounted how he had been terrified as he arrived for his first day and how faculty members stopped by his new office to offer their support and well wishes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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