high-spirited

[ hahy-spir-i-tid ]

adjective

1. characterized by energetic enthusiasm, elation, vivacity, etc.
2. boldly courageous; mettlesome.

high-spirited

adjective

1. vivacious, bold, or lively

Derived Forms

• ˌhigh-ˈspiritedly, adverb
• ˌhigh-ˈspiritedness, noun

Other Words From

• high-spirit·ed·ly adjective
• high-spirit·ed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-spirited¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

Separate from the group’s rhythm, its four strings add a high-spirited element to the traditional style of folk music.

From Los Angeles Times

Onscreen in Dublin, a pair of high-spirited lads lifted their shirts and exposed their bellies to America.

From New York Times

The bird flees from her car’s trunk to a watermelon truck to the space behind an armoire, with adults and children, including the high-spirited young daughter, Linda, in hot pursuit.

From New York Times

Lives lived: Seiji Ozawa, a high-spirited Japanese conductor who directed the Boston Symphony Orchestra for decades, died at 88.

From New York Times

Ms. Springsteen’s high-spirited ethos, ever-present, seemed to be the through line in her life, and one that buoyed the lives of the people around her.

From New York Times

Related Words

• exuberant
• lively
• merry