spry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'spry' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe someone or something that is agile, alert, or energetic, such as "The spry elderly man could still do a handstand".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A spry elderly man scythed emerald green grass into stooks in a tiny field.

The Guardian - Travel

Lowry, a spry, witty presence who called herself an outsider, acknowledged there were controversial episodes in the book, such as the moment when a man kills his child.

The Guardian - Film

By the next evening the dog is spry enough to climb two steps in order to pester me for food while I'm trying to watch TV.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Teenagers who fought in Normandy or at Iwo Jima can be in their fairly spry 70s.

The Economist

He is spry despite his 83 years, rising at 4am each morning and working until at least 9pm, according to a priest who sees him regularly.

The Economist

You could spot him on New York's East Side (a natural habitat), small and spry, bouncing along as if he couldn't wait to write down the ideas for human improvement that buzzed around in his head.

The Economist

In any case, she is not as spry as she once was.

The Economist

Lodewijk de Vink, Warner-Lambert's boss, who will head AmericanWarner, is a spry 54.

The Economist

Still spry at 100 and ubiquitous at cultural events, Professor GV is, to many, a grandfather figure to the Kannada language.To hear him tell it, Kannada is threatened, but the situation is not grave.

The Economist

Even a spry Mr Yeltsin's zest for reform has ebbed and flowed.

The Economist

Furthermore, the raspy-voiced 82-year-old, although still spry, has been ill and now walks with a cane.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spry" to add a touch of old-fashioned charm when describing someone's agility or energy, especially older individuals, or animals.

Common error

Avoid using "spry" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sound quaint or informal. Opt for more neutral terms like "agile" or "energetic" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "spry" primarily functions as a descriptive term, denoting agility and liveliness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly describes someone or something energetic. Examples from Ludwig show it often describes older individuals who retain their nimbleness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spry" is an adjective used to describe someone or something agile and lively, often with a touch of surprise or admiration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, as shown by Ludwig's examples, lending a slightly informal and appreciative tone. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing "spry" in formal writing, opting for alternatives like "agile" or "energetic" where a more neutral register is needed. The word effectively adds character and warmth to descriptions of individuals who maintain vigor, particularly into older age.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

agile

Implies nimbleness and quickness of movement, more formal than "spry".

nimble

Suggests dexterity and ease of movement, similar to "agile" but can also apply to mental quickness.

lively

Emphasizes spirited energy and enthusiasm, broader than "spry" which focuses on physical agility.

energetic

Highlights the presence of abundant energy and vigor, more general than "spry".

vigorous

Conveys robust health and strength, suggesting a strong and active state.

active

Simply indicates a state of doing things; less specific about agility than "spry".

quick

Focuses on speed of movement or action, not necessarily implying agility.

fleet-footed

Specifically refers to quickness in running or walking, more limited in scope.

supple

Implies flexibility and ease of bending, whereas "spry" emphasizes overall agility.

brisk

Suggests quickness and liveliness, often used to describe pace or manner, not just physical ability.

FAQs

How can I use "spry" in a sentence?

You can use "spry" to describe someone or something that is nimble and energetic, such as, "The "spry old man" still walks three miles a day".

What can I say instead of "spry"?

You can use alternatives like "agile", "nimble", or "lively" depending on the specific context.

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

While "spry" is a perfectly valid word, it may sound somewhat informal or old-fashioned. Consider using alternatives like "agile" or "energetic" in formal contexts.

What is the difference between "spry" and "agile"?

"Spry" often implies a sense of youthful energy or surprising liveliness, especially in older individuals, while "agile" focuses more on the quickness and ease of movement.