Definition of SPRIGHTLY

Choose the Right Synonym for sprightly

lively, animated, vivacious, sprightly, gay mean keenly alive and spirited. lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy. a lively debate on the issues animated applies to what is spirited and active. an animated discussion of current events vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring. a vivacious party host sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit. a tuneful, sprightly musical gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits. the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Did You Know?

Sprightly comes from spright, an archaic version of the word we now use for an elf or fairy: sprite. Ariel from Shakespeare's The Tempest and the leprechaun of Irish mythology are often referred to as sprites, and it's no coincidence that both are characterized by their light, flitting movements and mannerisms. Sprite derives via Middle English and Old French from the Latin spiritus, which of course gives us spirit as well. A similar-looking adjective that can describe someone who is nimble and energetic is spry, but that word is believed to be of Scandinavian origin.

Examples of sprightly in a Sentence

a sprightly child who often claims to be too tired to move when it's time to do chores

Recent Examples on the Web

At Sundance, Lupita Nyong’o hit the streets in a sprightly Versace puffer coat, proving dressing for warmth can still be a moment in itself . . . — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "10 Best Dressed: Week of February 4, 2019," 4 Feb. 2019 For the occasion, Her Majesty kept to her style signature, choosing an all-over sprightly hue that was both colorful and joyous. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Queen Elizabeth II Gives the Pantone Color of the Year a Royal Spin," 3 Feb. 2019 For example, the classic V-day treat of fresh briny oysters is a good match for a crisp Muscadet or a sprightly sauvignon blanc, while a hearty beef stew will be great with a hefty cabernet sauvignon or Syrah. 2. — Catherine Lo, Good Housekeeping, "5 Quick Wine Pairing Tips for Valentine's Day," 10 Feb. 2011 But that could change after sprightly Burns won the hound group Monday night at Madison Square Garden. — Ben Walker, The Seattle Times, "Dachshunds get chance to break out of Westminster doghouse," 12 Feb. 2019 According to the South China Morning Post, the vehicle is equipped with a 1,000-hp diesel engine, which will give it a sprightly 28-to-1 horsepower-to-weight ratio. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need to Know About China's New Tank," 2 Jan. 2019 And the evening’s presentation of trophies was mostly an enjoyable, even sprightly time. — Todd Vanderwerff, Vox, "Winners: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Netflix, and old people. Losers: Atlanta and The Handmaid’s Tale.," 18 Sep. 2018 Never one to follow the rules, the free-spirited Lobell shot shimmer and sparkle through her flirty lip, eye, and face products and branded them with sprightly, stylish cartoon women. — Kathleen Hackett, ELLE Decor, "All in the Family," 4 Oct. 2010 The ceviche is sprightly and well-balanced, the smoked salmon with mango is delightfully '90s and retro cool. — Krista Simmons, Condé Nast Traveler, "15 Best Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles," 27 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sprightly.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.