spirited

[spir-i-tid]

adjective

1. having or showing mettle, courage, vigor, liveliness, etc..

   a spirited defense of poetry.

   Synonyms: mettlesome, courageous, vigorous, lively, energetic, active, ardent, vivacious, animated

spirited

/ ˈspɪrɪtɪd /

adjective

1. displaying animation, vigour, or liveliness

2. (in combination) characterized by mood, temper, or disposition as specified

   high-spirited

   public-spirited

Other Word Forms

• spiritedness noun
• spiritedly adverb
• nonspirited adjective
• nonspiritedly adverb
• nonspiritedness noun
• quasi-spirited adjective
• quasi-spiritedly adverb
• unspirited adjective
• unspiritedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirited¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; spirit + -ed ³

Example Sentences

They still have plenty of differences over specific policies — but a spirited debate, some say, is exactly what the party needs.

From Los Angeles Times

The hosts scored from the spot and ended up easing their way to a comfortable 3-0 win against a spirited Aberdeen.

From BBC

Shifting to football prompted the addition of Bayless, whose spirited back-and-forth on social media with Arenas grew into a professional relationship.

From Los Angeles Times

League One hosts Oldham were in the midst of financial problems but produced a spirited display against the odds, with Matt Smith nodding in a Youssouf M'Changama cross to open the scoring.

From BBC

This spirited competition stays in the background, but their marital happiness matters to us.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animated 
• bold 
• bright 
• courageous 
• energetic 
• enthusiastic 
• fearless 
• fiery 
• gutsy 
• passionate 
• peppy 
• resolute 
• spunky 
• vigorous