spirited

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spirited' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is enthusiastic and energetic. For example, "The spirited team worked collaboratively to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Related: AFL: Hawthorn Hawks out-class Geelong Cats with dominant performance The opening round was a happy one for a host of fans not likely to need tickets in September with Melbourne, the Bulldogs, GWS and Collingwood all notching spirited wins.

The Guardian - Sport

Boko Haram terrorists rounded them up in the dead of night at gunpoint and spirited them away.

The Guardian - Opinion

There he took from his strongbox Fura and Tena, his best stones, spirited them away by helicopter and, for a photo shoot, carried them back down the Muzo mine 1,000 metres deep.

The Economist

The two giants have spirited rivals, in the shape of MetroPCS, recently acquired by Deutsche Telekom's American mobile arm, and Sprint, likely to be bought soon by Softbank, of Japan, but these are much smaller than the big two.

The Economist

Perhaps Mr Chen will be spirited away to America, or find a way to live normally in China.

The Economist

But in 2001 Mr Pinault spirited both McQueen and his namesake label away from LVMH when he bought a controlling interest in a deal worth a reported $25m.The era most closely associated with the two designers the 1990s and 2000s were the luxury industry's gold-rush days.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But Apfel has seized the imagination not as a couture fashion plate but as an example to a free-spirited, adventurous New York mindset that, these days, seems in danger of getting lost beneath the anodyne beauty of a Manhattan aesthetic that worships cosmetic dentistry and blow-drying above individuality or creativity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Set up by some of the team from the iconic Buoyancy club nights, Alfresco Disco pride themselves on putting on nights that promote a free-spirited vibe, away from the shackles that can often restrict inner-city clubs.

The Guardian - Music

It feels mean-spirited to criticise Electro Velvet too harshly for this.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The public-spirited legacy promised could have gone ahead only if the concept of the "public good" retained some meaning in today's political discourse.

The Guardian - Opinion

In these otherwise murderous and mean-spirited times, that is something to salute.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a performance or event, use "spirited" to convey a sense of energy, enthusiasm, and engagement. For example, "The team delivered a spirited performance, captivating the audience."

Common error

While "spirited" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for synonyms like "vigorous" or "dynamic" to maintain a professional tone when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "spirited" primarily functions to describe a noun, indicating that the noun possesses qualities of liveliness, energy, and enthusiasm. As Ludwig AI indicates, it denotes an animated or vigorous characteristic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Sport

13%

Books

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "spirited" is a versatile term used to describe something or someone full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used in English writing. It's commonly found in contexts such as news, sports, and book reviews, conveying a positive attribute that highlights the dynamic nature of the subject. When choosing synonyms, consider alternatives like "lively", "energetic", or "animated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While generally acceptable, it’s best to reserve "spirited" for neutral to slightly informal contexts, opting for more formal terms like "vigorous" in academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

energetic

Highlights the active and vigorous quality, stressing the capacity for exertion.

lively

Stresses the vibrant and buoyant character, implying an enjoyable and stimulating quality.

animated

Focuses on the lively and expressive nature, often suggesting a dynamic presence.

vigorous

Implies strength, energy and robustness, often used for something done with force.

enthusiastic

Highlights the intense and eager interest, suggesting a strong positive feeling.

full of life

Emphasizes the abundance of energy and enthusiasm someone or something possesses.

dynamic

Emphasizes the forceful and energetic nature, suggesting the ability to produce change or growth.

passionate

Focuses on deep emotion and strong conviction, implying a powerful and heartfelt engagement.

zealous

Suggests fervent dedication and intense enthusiasm, often bordering on fanaticism.

ardent

Implies warmth of feeling and passionate intensity, suggesting a fervent and devoted nature.

FAQs

How can I use "spirited" in a sentence?

You can use "spirited" to describe something full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. For example, "The "spirited debate" covered many aspects of the problem" or "She is a "spirited woman" who always stands up for what she believes in".

What are some synonyms for "spirited"?

Synonyms for "spirited" include "lively", "energetic", "animated", "vigorous" and "enthusiastic". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "spirited" in formal writing?

While "spirited" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In highly formal contexts, alternatives like "vigorous" or "dynamic" might be more suitable. Always choose the word that best fits the overall register.

What's the difference between "spirited" and "inspiring"?

"Spirited" describes something full of energy and enthusiasm, while "inspiring" means something that motivates or encourages. A spirited performance might be inspiring, but not all inspiring things are spirited.