adjective
Uncommon
spirited
SPIH-rih-tihd
Spirited (adjective) means Full of energy, courage, or enthusiasm. Example: “She gave a spirited defense of her research findings.”
adjective
1
Full of energy, courage, or enthusiasm.
"She gave a spirited defense of her research findings."
"It was a spirited debate that ran well past the scheduled time."
How to use spirited
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLively, energetic, and full of enthusiasm.
Common pairings
a spirited debate
a spirited performance
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more spirited
- Superlative
- most spirited
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She gave a _____ defense of her research findings.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for spirited
See all rhymes for spirited →Frequently asked questions
What does “spirited” mean?
The word “spirited” means full of energy, courage, or enthusiasm. In plain terms, lively, energetic, and full of enthusiasm.
How do you pronounce “spirited”?
“Spirited” is pronounced SPIH-rih-tihd (/ˈspɪɹɪtɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “spirited” in a sentence?
Here is “spirited” used in a sentence: “She gave a spirited defense of her research findings.”
What part of speech is “spirited”?
“Spirited” is an adjective.
Is “spirited” a common word?
“Spirited” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between spirited and energetic?
Spirited emphasizes courage, enthusiasm, or lively character in how something is done, such as a spirited debate or a spirited horse, while energetic simply describes having or showing physical energy. Spirited often carries a sense of determination or passion behind the action.
Can spirited describe a person's personality as well as an action?
Yes, spirited can describe both a person, such as a spirited child full of enthusiasm, and an action or event, such as a spirited defense or a spirited discussion. In both cases it conveys liveliness and courage rather than aggression.
What kind of nouns commonly follow spirited?
Spirited frequently pairs with words like debate, defense, discussion, performance, and horse, all describing something carried out with notable energy and enthusiasm. This collocation pattern reflects its core sense of being full of energy or courage.
