spirit
Spirit (noun) means the non-physical part of a person believed to hold their character, emotions, or soul. Example: “Her spirit remained unbroken despite the hardship.”
How to use spirit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe soul or inner self, enthusiasm, a ghost, distilled liquor, or the true intent of a rule, depending on context.
The "spirit of the law" means its underlying intent, not its literal wording — the opposite is "the letter of the law."
Word forms
spirited past tense, spirits plural, spirits singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ remained unbroken despite the hardship.
Etymology
From Latin spīritus, "breath" or "spirit," from a root meaning "to blow or breathe" — related to words like inspire and respire.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “spirit” mean?
The word “spirit” means the non-physical part of a person believed to hold their character, emotions, or soul. In plain terms, the soul or inner self, enthusiasm, a ghost, distilled liquor, or the true intent of a rule, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “spirit”?
“Spirit” is pronounced SPIH-riht (/ˈspɪɹɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “spirit” in a sentence?
Here is “spirit” used in a sentence: “Her spirit remained unbroken despite the hardship.”
What is another word for “spirit”?
Words with a similar meaning to “spirit” include liqueur, liquor, apparition, specter and vision.
What part of speech is “spirit”?
“Spirit” is a noun.
Where does the word “spirit” come from?
The word “spirit” comes from Latin. From Latin spīritus, "breath" or "spirit," from a root meaning "to blow or breathe" — related to words like inspire and respire.
Is “spirit” a common word?
“Spirit” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “spirit” have?
“Spirit” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the non-physical part of a person believed to hold their character, emotions, or soul.
What is the difference between spirit and soul?
The words overlap, but many traditions separate them: the soul is often seen as a person's eternal essence or identity, while the spirit is the animating life force, breath, or emotional and moral energy that drives them. In everyday use, 'spirit' also means mood or attitude, as in 'team spirit.'
What are the different meanings of 'spirit'?
Beyond the non-physical self, 'spirit' can mean a person's mood or attitude ('in good spirits'), courage and determination ('fighting spirit'), the true intention of a rule ('the spirit of the law'), a ghost or supernatural being, or a strong distilled alcohol such as whisky or gin.
What is the difference between spirit and mind?
The mind is usually linked to thought, reasoning, and mental activity, while the spirit refers to the deeper non-physical self — character, emotion, and, for many, the soul. You might say a sharp mind handles problems, whereas a strong spirit carries a person through hardship and gives them heart.
Can a person's spirit be broken?
Figuratively, yes. To 'break someone's spirit' means to crush their courage, hope, or will through hardship or defeat. It doesn't refer to physical damage but to a loss of inner strength and morale. People are also described as high-spirited, low-spirited, or in good or poor spirits.
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