less spirited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less spirited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks enthusiasm, energy, or liveliness compared to something else. Example: "The team's performance was less spirited than in previous matches, leading to a disappointing outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Is the Edinburgh fringe of 2014 less spirited than the fringe of 1984?

The Guardian

But once the dust settled, their cars would feel no less spirited, and their celebrations no less special, than before.

The New York Times

Meanwhile in Kentucky, primary voters nominated Rand Paul, an ophthalmologist, for the Senate, ignoring the pleas of party leaders to go for somebody less spirited and exciting.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, suspension changes have made the handling less spirited, and the plain-vanilla styling will win no best-in-show awards.

The New York Times

Whipping dough into shape at a pizzeria, Rob Mankin, a Bush voter, was no less spirited in flatly declaring, "The court is bending the rules down there".

The New York Times

He was subtler, but no less spirited, on an R & B ballad called "The Hope," featuring vocals by Jean Baylor, his wife.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Noting that the country's World Cup record amounted to no wins from 16 previous games, the Guardian's pre-tournament preview predicted that "the Bulgarians will be among the less-spirited competitors" who "are likely to fall by the wayside before long".

The Guardian - Sport

Van Houten is never less than spirited, yet the movie comes across as a tacky, unappealing compound of the casual and the vicious; Rachel and other resisters may be wounded and humiliated, yet suffering, in Verhoeven's eyes, seems to be little more than a temporary setback.

The New Yorker

While K-Stew has been criticized for her less than spirited red-carpet demeanor, perhaps the prospects of her upcoming projects -- "Breaking Dawn: Part 2" and "Snow White and the Huntsman" -- will cause her to crack a few smiles in the coming months.

Huffington Post

Islam is very puritanical and the Turks are consequently more dignified but much less high-spirited and pleasure-loving.

The Guardian - Travel

It isn't easy to measure whether politics is less public-spirited these days, and we should resist the tendency to idealize the past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less spirited", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is being compared to. This provides a clearer understanding of the reduction in spirit or energy.

Common error

Avoid using "less spirited" when a complete absence of spirit is intended; alternatives like "unspirited" or "dejected" might be more accurate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less spirited" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a reduced level of enthusiasm, energy, or liveliness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less spirited" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective phrase that describes a reduction in enthusiasm, energy, or liveliness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe a lack of enthusiasm. It is found most frequently in news and media contexts. When using "less spirited", ensure the context clearly defines the baseline for comparison to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "more subdued" or "less enthusiastic" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less enthusiastic

Directly addresses the diminished level of enthusiasm.

less energetic

Highlights the decrease in physical or mental energy.

less lively

Emphasizes a reduction in vivacity or animation.

more subdued

Focuses on reduced outward expression of emotion or energy.

less animated

Emphasizes a reduction in expressiveness and liveliness in demeanor or action.

less fervent

Highlights a decrease in passionate intensity.

more listless

Indicates a lack of energy and enthusiasm, often due to illness or sadness.

more passive

Focuses on reduced active participation or initiative.

more apathetic

Suggests a lack of interest or concern, implying a stronger reduction in spirit.

more indifferent

Implies a lack of interest or concern, suggesting a detachment from the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "less spirited" in a sentence?

You can use "less spirited" to describe a decline in enthusiasm or energy compared to a previous state or another entity. For example, "The team's performance was "less spirited" than their previous game".

What are some alternatives to "less spirited"?

Alternatives include "more subdued", "less enthusiastic", or "less energetic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less spirited"?

Yes, "less spirited" is grammatically correct. It uses "less" to indicate a smaller quantity or degree of the quality "spirited".

What's the difference between "less spirited" and "unspirited"?

"Less spirited" indicates a reduction in spirit or enthusiasm, while "unspirited" implies a complete absence of spirit. For example, someone who is "less spirited" might still show some enthusiasm, whereas someone who is unspirited shows none.