sprightly

[ sprahyt-lee ]

adjective

, spright·li·er, spright·li·est.

1. animated or vivacious; lively.

   Synonyms: spry, buoyant, blithe, spirited

adverb

1. in a sprightly manner.

sprightly

/ ˈspraɪtlɪ /

adjective

1. full of vitality; lively

adverb

1. obsolete.
   in a lively manner

Derived Forms

• ˈsprightliness, noun

Other Words From

• sprightli·ness noun
• un·sprightly adjective adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprightly¹

1590–1600; spright (spelling variant of sprite ) + -ly

Word History and Origins

Origin of sprightly¹

C16: from spright, variant of sprite + -ly ¹

Example Sentences

It’s filled with colorful side characters, like the sprightly Pinky, whose zest for life has not been tempered by her own past tragedies.

From Los Angeles Times

In conversation, Burnett is sprightly and sharp, as marvelous as one would hope.

From Los Angeles Times

The first movement is sprightly; the second, gentle, scored for strings alone; the third, graceful.

From New York Times

The naked bodies of these much older gentleman appear suggestively weathered next to their younger lover’s sprightly form.

From New York Times

Once again starring Jack Black as the gullible martial arts master Po, the animated film melds together wisecracking comedy and sprightly action sequences with a message of kindness, inner peace and self-discovery.

From New York Times

Related Words

• agile
• bouncy
• cheerful
• chirpy
• energetic
• jaunty
• lively
• peppy
• playful
• spry
• zippy