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

But even if a younger and undeniably more sprightly figure is now bearing the party's message, political observers and voters may feel that message is oddly familiar, reviving an old conception that's been stored in the political attic for the last eight years.

From Salon

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

That is reason enough to celebrate the 76th Emmys Awards for yielding a three-hour and eight-minute ABC telecast that felt downright sprightly.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

That’s what the Biden campaign team wanted when they bolstered the once sprightly Joe into a Ray-Banned, ice cream munching, no-malarkey-taking caricature—and then something more sardonic with the Dark Brandon meme.

From Slate

Related Words

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