brisk

[ brisk ]

adjective

, brisk·er, brisk·est.

1. quick and active; lively:

   brisk trading;

   a brisk walk.

   Synonyms: alert, energetic, spry

   Antonyms: languid

2. sharp and stimulating: brisk wind.

   brisk weather;

   brisk wind.

3. (of liquors) effervescing vigorously:

   brisk cider.

4. abrupt; curt:

   I was surprised by her rather brisk tone.

verb (used with or without object)

, brisked, brisk·ing.

1. to make or become brisk; liven (often followed by up ).

brisk

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   trade was brisk

   a brisk walk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

verb

1. often foll by up to enliven; make or become brisk

Derived Forms

• ˈbriskly, adverb
• ˈbriskness, noun

Other Words From

• brisk·ly adverb
• brisk·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

C16: probably variant of brusque

Example Sentences

Often called “Mr. Snap, Crackle” in tribute to his brisk, articulate drumming style, he wrote a signature tune with the same name for his own 1962 album, “Out of the Afternoon.”

From Los Angeles Times

Some, like the SoCal Stair Climbers, average a brisk 2.5 miles an hour as they explore L.A.’s myriad stair walks.

From Los Angeles Times

Skill level: Moderate to “brisk”

From Los Angeles Times

Gutierrez likes to keep his walking “brisk,” averaging 2.5 miles a hour, but he also stops frequently to offer mini lessons in history and architecture, which is how he gives people a chance to catch their breath.

From Los Angeles Times

Chinese tourists huddle together against the brisk autumn breeze on a 12-storey building, vying for the best spot to photograph the point where their country meets Russia and North Korea.

From BBC

Related Words

• energetic
• lively
• quick
• speedy
• spry
• vigorous