brisk
/brɪsk/ (bre, ipa) · /brɪsk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbrisk/ (ame, mw)
brisk — adjective
- briskpositive
- briskercomparative
- briskestsuperlative
1. Full of lively movement or rapid activity, so that people, events, or business f
Full of lively movement or rapid activity, so that people, events, or business feel energetic and busy.
Dario gave the team a brisk welcome and sent everyone straight to work.
collocation: brisk welcome for energetic, efficient action
The shop had brisk trade after the concert ended downtown.
collocation: brisk trade / brisk business
Amira kept a brisk pace as she climbed the station steps.
The debate stayed brisk, with short answers and quick challenges.
文法句型
brisk + noun
be + brisk
用法筆記
Common with nouns such as 'pace', 'walk', 'trade', 'business', and 'conversation'. It suggests both speed and energy, not speed alone.
2. Cool in a refreshing way that feels clean, sharp, and pleasant rather than harsh
Cool in a refreshing way that feels clean, sharp, and pleasant rather than harsh.
A brisk wind swept across the harbour before sunrise.
collocation: brisk wind / brisk air / brisk breeze
We opened the cabin door to let the brisk air in.
After lunch, a brisk breeze cleared the heat from the street.
Ada smiled at the brisk morning air and zipped her jacket.
文法句型
brisk + air / wind / breeze
be + brisk
用法筆記
Mostly used for weather, air, wind, or breeze. It suggests coolness that feels refreshing, not severe cold.
常見錯誤
3. Quick and efficient in a way that sounds direct and slightly sharp.
Quick and efficient in a way that sounds direct and slightly sharp.
The nurse gave a brisk nod and moved to the next patient.
pattern: brisk gesture showing efficient movement
Elise answered in a brisk voice and ended the call.
collocation: brisk voice / brisk tone
The editor sent a brisk email asking for the missing photo.
At the meeting, Defne was brisk but not rude with the late speakers.
- businesslike
neutral and efficient, often less sharp in tone
- efficient
focuses on getting things done well, without the sharpness
- curt
stronger and more openly abrupt
文法句型
brisk + tone / manner / reply
be + brisk with somebody
用法筆記
This sense is about manner or tone, not physical movement. It often suggests efficiency and impatience at the same time.
常見錯誤
brisk — verb
- briskpresent simple I / you / we / they
- brisks3rd person singular
- brisking-ing form
- briskedpast simple
1. To give someone or something more energy, making them feel more lively and ready
To give someone or something more energy, making them feel more lively and ready to act.
Hot tea and music brisked the tired crew before the night shift.
rare transitive use: brisk + person / group
The coach's shout brisked the runners for the final lap.
A cold shower brisked Mateo after the overnight train ride.
Fresh sea air brisked the hikers before the steep climb.
文法句型
brisk + object
用法筆記
Rare and slightly literary. Everyday English usually prefers 'liven up', 'freshen', or 'wake up' instead.
2. To become more active or lively after being quiet, slow, or dull.
To become more active or lively after being quiet, slow, or dull.
Sales brisked after the rain stopped and the market reopened.
business use: sales / trade brisked
Conversation brisked once the shy students started asking questions.
Trade brisked near sunset when office workers came out for food.
The town brisked as tourists arrived for the summer festival.
文法句型
brisk
brisk + after / as / once-clause
用法筆記
Rare. It is most natural with trade, sales, conversation, or general activity becoming livelier; everyday English often uses 'pick up' instead.