spirited

American  

[spir-i-tid] / ˈspɪr ɪ tɪd /

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

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spirited British  

/ ˈspɪrɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying animation, vigour, or liveliness

2. (in combination) characterized by mood, temper, or disposition as specified

   high-spirited

   public-spirited

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Other Word Forms

• nonspirited adjective
• nonspiritedly adverb
• nonspiritedness noun
• quasi-spirited adjective
• quasi-spiritedly adverb
• spiritedly adverb
• spiritedness noun
• unspirited adjective
• unspiritedly adverb

Etymology

Origin of spirited

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

Example Sentences

The protagonist, a spirited textile mill worker played by Sally Field, demands improvements like a Kotex machine in the women’s bathroom before ultimately leading a unionization effort.

From The Wall Street Journal

Steve Tandy's side produced a spirited display as they scored the most amount of points against New Zealand in Cardiff but they also conceded 50 points at home for the third time this year.

From BBC

Such moments remind us that The Beatles’ attainments were the result of spirited collaboration involving a like-minded group of dedicated artists, producers, and engineers.

From Salon

All the elements were there for a lottery position-protecting loss to the Orlando Magic, the spirited young team that just beat them March 21.

From Washington Post

Leigh passed up opportunities throughout the game with Edwin Ipape stopped just short, French grounding a Lam kick to deny a spirited chase, and a late dink ricocheting behind despite a sterling chase.

From BBC

Related Words

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