spirit
spirit — verb
- spiritpresent simple I / you / we / they
- spirits3rd person singular
- spiriting-ing form
- spiritedpast simple
1. to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick
to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick way, so that others do not notice what has happened
Sade spirited the documents out of the office while the guard was on a break.
spirit + noun + out of [place]
During the escape, the hostages were spirited across the border in a delivery truck.
passive: be spirited across [border]
The organizers spirited the injured musician off the stage before the audience noticed.
A small team of workers spirited the ancient statues away from the temple at midnight.
Ezra spirited the stolen phone out of the workshop while the guards were checking the gate.
文法句型
spirit + noun phrase + adverb/preposition (away, off, out, across, from)
be spirited + adverb/preposition (passive)
用法筆記
Almost always used with a directional adverb or prepositional phrase (away, off, out, across, from) that indicates where the person or thing is taken to or from. The passive form (be spirited away/off/out) is especially common in narrative writing.
常見錯誤
spirit — noun
- spiritsingular
- spiritsplural
1. the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are con
the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are connected with a particular time, place, or activity
The team spirit at the local sports club brought neighbors of all ages together.
collocation: team spirit
Minho admired the independent spirit of the small bookshop owners in his neighborhood.
Parkdale School encouraged a spirit of cooperation by pairing older students with younger reading buddies.
A spirit of generosity filled the community hall during the winter food drive.
Élise could sense the competitive spirit when her pottery classmates kept peeking at each other's work.
- ethos
more formal, used for the guiding beliefs of a culture or institution
- atmosphere
focuses on the mood or feeling in a place, not the shared goals
文法句型
spirit + of + noun
possessive + spirit
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' and a noun describing the quality or purpose (e.g. spirit of cooperation, spirit of adventure). Singular only in this sense.
常見錯誤
2. a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happin
a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happiness, or energy — typically expressed in fixed phrases such as 'in high spirits' or 'spirits sank'
The team's spirits sank when they saw the rain pouring down on match day.
pattern: spirits sank / spirits rose / spirits lifted
The team's spirits were low after they lost the final match by a single point.
pattern: spirits were low
Hot tea and a warm blanket lifted Quinn's spirits on the rainy afternoon.
The children's cheerful laughter raised everyone's spirits during the long car trip.
Christopher tried hard to keep his spirits up despite the difficult exam results.
文法句型
in good/high/low spirits
raise/lift someone's spirits
spirits are high/low
用法筆記
Almost always plural ('spirits') in this sense. Common in fixed phrases like 'in good/low spirits,' 'lift/raise spirits,' and 'spirits rise/sink.' The singular 'spirit' is extremely rare in this meaning.
常見錯誤
3. a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tirednes
a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tiredness, or worry; most commonly used in the phrase 'in good spirits' or 'in high spirits'
Despite the early morning flight, the travelers were in surprisingly good spirits.
phrase: in good spirits
Manuela arrived in high spirits, carrying a box of pastries for everyone to share.
phrase: in high spirits
The children were in excellent spirits after spending the whole afternoon at the beach.
Grandpa's good spirits lasted all evening as he told jokes around the campfire after the hike.
After a tough week at work, Mei was in surprisingly good spirits when she joined us for dinner.
- cheerful
an adjective describing a person's mood, not a noun like 'spirits'
- in a good mood
a common alternative phrase that is less specific to the 'lifted from low' context
- in low spirits
the opposite: feeling sad or discouraged
文法句型
in good/high spirits
in excellent spirits
be in spirits
用法筆記
Distinguish from MOOD (sense 2): MOOD covers any emotional state (good or bad), while GOOD SPIRITS specifically describes a cheerful and energetic state. 'In good spirits' is a fixed phrase that cannot be changed to 'in happy spirits' or 'in nice spirits.'
常見錯誤
4. the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, consi
the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, considered apart from the exact words that describe it
The judge argued that the company had violated the spirit of the environmental law.
phrase: spirit of the law
Although the contract was technically correct, it went against the spirit of the original agreement.
contrast with letter of the law
Kian believed the spirit of the library's noise rule mattered more than its exact wording.
The housing policy was written in a spirit of fairness, even though some details needed adjustment.
Critics said the proposal failed to capture the spirit of the founding document.
- letter (of the law)
the exact literal wording, as opposed to the intended meaning
文法句型
the spirit of the law/agreement/rule
spirit + of + noun
用法筆記
Often contrasted with 'the letter of the law' (the exact wording). Common in legal, political, and business contexts. The singular 'spirit' is always used in this sense.
常見錯誤
5. the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a s
the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a special occasion, holiday, or event
The whole street was decorated with lights and filled with Christmas spirit.
collocation: Christmas spirit
Eshe bought gifts and baked cookies to get into the holiday spirit early.
phrase: get into the [occasion] spirit
The whole town joined the cherry blossom parade with a true spirit of celebration and community pride.
The team threw a party full of carnival spirit, with games and music for all.
Despite the rain, the wedding guests danced all night with great party spirit.
- festive mood
similar but broader; can describe any holiday atmosphere, not just personal enthusiasm
文法句型
the [occasion] spirit
spirit of [celebration]
用法筆記
Typically used with a preceding noun that names the occasion (Christmas spirit, party spirit, festival spirit). Singular only. 'Get into the spirit' is a common phrasal expression meaning to start participating with enthusiasm.
常見錯誤
6. an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, s
an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, show determination, or try harder
"I can finish the race if I keep going." "That's the spirit!" her coach replied.
fixed expression: That's the spirit!
Eli promised to study harder next term, and his father smiled. "That's the spirit!"
"We can fix this problem together," the team leader said. "That's the spirit!" everyone shouted.
"I'll practice every day," the violinist said. "That's the spirit!" her teacher answered.
- good for you
a more general expression of approval, not specifically for determination
- way to go
informal, used to praise an achievement rather than encourage an attitude
文法句型
That's the spirit!
用法筆記
Only used as a standalone exclamation ('That's the spirit!') in response to someone's remark or action. Cannot be used in other grammatical structures ('I have spirit' does not carry this meaning).
常見錯誤
7. the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and pers
the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and personality, and that is often thought to survive the death of the physical body
Apinya believes the human spirit lives on even after the body stops working.
uncountable: the human spirit / the spirit lives on
The meditation retreat helped Liam connect with his inner spirit and find peace.
collocation: inner spirit
In many traditional ceremonies, people call upon the spirit of their ancestors for guidance.
During the weekend retreat, Yan felt a wave of calm rising from her spirit, not just her body.
The doctor could heal the body, but the priest tended to the wounded spirit.
用法筆記
Often contrasted with 'body' or 'flesh' in religious and philosophical contexts. Frequently uncountable — do not say 'a spirit' when referring to the non-physical essence of a living person.
常見錯誤
8. the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a
the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a ghost
The old castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young bride.
countable: spirit of [person] / haunted by a spirit
Selim told the children that no spirits lived in their new house, only dust and creaking stairs.
plural: spirits
Reema felt a cold presence in the room and wondered if it was a spirit passing through.
A local legend says the spirits of lost sailors appear on the cliff every full moon.
Tendai refuses to watch horror movies because the angry spirits scare her too much.
- ghost
More common in everyday English; 'spirit' can sound more respectful or less frightening.
- phantom
More literary and dramatic; suggests a vague, unreal shape.
- apparition
Formal; emphasises the visual appearance of a supernatural being.
用法筆記
Countable — 'a spirit' / 'spirits'. Distinguish from sense 7 (NOT BODY, uncountable): that sense refers to the living person's non-physical essence, whereas this sense refers to a supernatural entity, usually of someone deceased.
常見錯誤
9. a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face ch
a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face challenges
Lotte played the final match with great spirit even though her team was losing.
collocation: with great spirit / with spirit
The team showed real fighting spirit by coming back from three goals down.
collocation: fighting / competitive spirit
Greta admired the community spirit of her neighbours, who helped rebuild the playground together.
After working twelve hours on the factory line, Ryan had no spirit left to argue with his supervisor.
The lantern parade filled the old streets with colour, music, and the joyful spirit of neighbours celebrating together.
- enthusiasm
Direct synonym, though 'spirit' adds a sense of inner drive rather than just liking something.
- energy
Focuses on the active, lively aspect; less about determination.
- determination
Emphasises perseverance and resolve; overlaps with 'fighting spirit'.
- morale
Used for groups (team morale); 'spirit' works for both individuals and groups.
- apathy
Lack of interest or enthusiasm.
- discouragement
Loss of confidence or willingness to continue.
用法筆記
Frequently modified by an adjective describing the type of enthusiasm ('team spirit', 'pioneering spirit', 'independent spirit'). Cannot be made countable — do not write 'a good spirit' in this sense.
常見錯誤
10. any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, prod
any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, produced by distillation rather than by ordinary fermentation
Ilan ordered a glass of water instead of spirits because he was driving home.
plural: spirits — general category of strong drinks
The bar serves wine, beer, and a wide selection of spirits from around the world.
countable as category: a selection of spirits
Madison keeps a bottle of expensive spirit for special occasions but rarely drinks alone.
In Taiwan you must be at least eighteen to buy spirits at a convenience store.
The party guests drank beer all evening, but nobody touched the bottle of whisky on the table.
- liquor
More common in American English; 'spirits' is more frequent in British English.
- hard alcohol
Informal; contrasts with beer and wine.
用法筆記
Often used in the plural 'spirits' to mean strong alcoholic drinks collectively. As a countable noun, 'a spirit' refers to a specific type or brand. This sense is more common in British English; American English often prefers 'liquor'.
常見錯誤
11. a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cle
a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cleaning, dissolving paint, or medical disinfection
The artist cleaned her brushes with methylated spirit before switching to a new colour.
technical use: methylated spirit / surgical spirit
Reema wiped the cut with spirit before putting on a bandage.
medical use: wiping with spirit
That stain will not come out with soap — you need a stronger spirit to dissolve the grease.
The factory stores barrels of industrial spirit for cleaning machine parts overnight.
Selim spilled a bit of spirit on the workbench, and the strong smell filled the whole garage.
- solvent
Broader category; includes non-alcohol-based liquids used for dissolving.
- rubbing alcohol
American English term for medical spirit.
- methylated spirits
Specific type; ethanol with additives to make it undrinkable.
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable and refers to the base liquid, not to a branded product. Distinguish from sense 10: sense 11 is NOT for drinking and is usually modified by a purpose or type ('methylated spirit', 'white spirit', 'industrial spirit'). In American English, 'rubbing alcohol' is more common for the medical variety.
常見錯誤
12. a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example,
a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example, a kind spirit, a free spirit, or a brave spirit
Lara is a free spirit who travels to a new country every year without a plan.
collocation: free spirit — someone independent, unconventional
Grandpa was a generous spirit who gave half his pension to local charities each month.
adjective + spirit: generous / kind / noble spirit
Everyone in the village mourned Mrs. Chen, who had been such a kind spirit to the neighbourhood children.
Apinya admired her uncle as a kindred spirit because they both loved old jazz records.
A competitive spirit like Tendai hates losing even a friendly game of cards.
用法筆記
Always preceded by an adjective or similar modifier that describes the person's character. Cannot stand alone — you would not say 'He is a spirit' without an adjective. The modifier tells the reader which kind of person is meant.