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

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

Wednesday was not an enthralling game, defined more by sloppy defense and wasted chances than any sort of October magic on a brisk night in the Queens.

From Los Angeles Times

There was also a lack of overnight frosts due to cloudy skies and brisk winds in the south.

From BBC

A Watts native who spent her teens in the San Fernando Valley, Tingirides enjoyed an unusually brisk rise through the department ranks.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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