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spirited

spirited

1 4.1
Full of energy and enthusiasm
  • adjective
  • /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/
translation icon : animado
  • The children had a spirited debate about their favorite animals during class.
  • a spirited discussion
  • a spirited child

If there's one thing I've always loved, it's having a spirited conversation.

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Examples

  • Thanks to Bill Kristol for a spirited exchange.

  • So this first lecture is a spirited but light hearted introduction into the course.

  • A spirited man is what I am, and a spirited man is what I want to be.

  • And I'm ready now for a spirited discussion with you here today.

  • Well, thank you guys for a very spirited debate, very lively and done.

  • Spirited little thing, isn't she?

  • If there's one thing I've always loved, it's having a spirited conversation.

  • It's fun, and it's sassy and spirited and humorous and surprisingly emotional.

  • Spirited discussions and sometimes wrenching debates have challenged the makeup of reading lists.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Spirited discussion is healthy, but prejudgment should be unacceptable, and that has affected the conversation about Forge Cellars' first vintage of Riesling, the recently released 2011.

    Blog text (8)

Synonyms

merry
vsspirited
114 1.0

Happy and lively, full of fun and energy

leans more to active energy and vigor than simple cheer
lively
vsspirited
111 1.3

Having a lot of energy and enthusiasm

focuses more on broad excited energy rather than movement
cheerful
vsspirited
111 1.0

Happy in a way you show with a smile or friendly actions

is about high liveliness and energy, not just happiness
energetic
vsspirited
93 1.6

Full of energy and active

emphasizes enthusiasm and mood rather than only physical drive
vigorous
vsspirited
87 4.1

Having a lot of strength and energy

covers active enthusiasm but not necessarily forceful physical action
vibrant
vsspirited
81 4.1

Full of energy and activity that makes people feel excited

is similar but more general about active enthusiasm than brightness
jolly
vsspirited
79 1.0

Happy and lively in a friendly way

is broader, not only sociable happiness but active energy
playful
vsspirited
79 1.6

Full of fun and energy and liking jokes or games

covers vigor used in many settings beyond fun and games
feisty
vsspirited
59 4.8

Full of energy and ready to argue or fight

focuses more on general enthusiasm, not combative or angry tone
perky
vsspirited
45 4.1

Cheerful and full of energy

is broader, meaning general energy rather than sunny confidence
animated
vsspirited
30 3.7

Being full of life and energy

leans toward general energy and vigor rather than vividness
vital
vsspirited
30 3.8

Full of energy and enthusiasm

has the same energy but is the common general adjective
bouncy
vsspirited
16 2.0

Full of energy and cheerful movement

is more general energy and enthusiasm, not only springy motion
vivacious
vsspirited
15 7.0

Full of energy and cheer that attracts other people

is broader, not focused on attractive or social appearance
peppy
vsspirited
  • Informal
14 3.1

Full of energy and excitement

covers general vigor and enthusiasm, not only brisk cheer
jovial
vsspirited
12 3.9

Happy and friendly in a lively, joking way

is more about general strong energy than social warmth
buoyant
vsspirited
7 5.8

Cheerful and full of energy

is broader, covering robust active energy rather than mood alone
sprightly
vsspirited
6 5.7

Full of energy and lively

is broader, covering both forceful and gentle vigor
high-spirited
vsspirited
6 3.9

Full of energy and excitement

is about normal energy and enthusiasm rather than loud boisterousness
ebullient
vsspirited
5 8.2

Very lively and full of energy

is energetic as well but usually calmer and more controlled
effervescent
vsspirited
5 7.1

Having lively, cheerful energy that makes others feel excited

is like general enthusiasm but less about bubbly outward show
sparkly
vsspirited
5 3.7

Full of lively energy and cheer

is about general vigor rather than flashy outward show
zippy
vsspirited
  • Informal
4 6.0

Quick and full of energy

focuses on overall energy and enthusiasm rather than speed
sparky
vsspirited
  • Informal
2 4.1

Full of energy and enthusiasm that excites others

is broader, applying to steady enthusiasm not only sharp bursts
chirpy
vsspirited
  • Informal
2 3.1

Feeling happy and full of energy

covers wider energy types, not only small cheerful tone
zestful
vsspirited
1 5.4

Full of energy and joy

is more generally about energy than sharp keen enjoyment
frolicsome
vsspirited
1 7.6

Full of playful, lively energy

covers general active enthusiasm, not just playful frolics
juiced
vsspirited
  • Slang
1 8.6

Very energetic and excited, often before an event

expresses general enthusiasm, not only intense or hyped energy
pippy
vsspirited
  • Informal
8.1

Being full of energy and cheerful

is the standard term for broad energy rather than informal slang

Antonyms

24 6.8

Not showing much interest or energy

12 6.1

Not having energy or interest to do things

1 6.0

Showing little energy and no enthusiasm

Compounds

1 5.1

Feeling sad and without much energy

How Energetic

vivacious
15 7.0
spirited
1 4.1
lively
111 1.3
energetic
93 1.6

Surface Forms

spirited positive

Morphology

spirited = spirit (transparent) = spirit + ed

The adjective is a regular adjectival formation from 'spirit' meaning 'having spirit/energy', so learners can derive the meaning from the base.

Etymology

Spirited comes from the word spirit, from Latin spiritus which meant 'breath' or 'spirit'. Think of someone full of breath and life—so spirited means lively and full of energy.