spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ə-təd 

: full of energy, animation, or courage

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb

spiritedness noun

Did you know?

You may see spirited used to describe a conversation, a debate, a horse, or a campaign. And it often shows up in such words as high-spirited ("bold and energetic"), mean-spirited ("spiteful"), and public-spirited ("generous to a community"), all of which reflect the original meaning of spirit, a notion much like "soul" or "personality".

Synonyms

• fiery
• gingery
• high-spirited
• mettlesome
• peppery
• spunky

Examples of spirited in a Sentence

The team put up a spirited defense.

She's a very spirited young lady.

Recent Examples on the Web

The teacher uses our visit to make a spirited argument for why her charges also need tablets. —TIME, 14 May 2024

Related Stories Premiering in Un Certain Regard, Dog is a bittersweet comedy about a spirited young female attorney, Avril, and her client, Cosmos, a charismatic pup that goes on trial for biting three people. —Shannon L. Bowen, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1601, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing spirited

• high-spirited
• low-spirited
• mean-spirited
• poor-spirited
• public-spirited

Kids Definition

spirited

adjective

spir·​it·​ed ˈspir-ət-əd 

: full of courage or energy

a spirited discussion

spiritedly adverb