spirited

/ˈspɪrɪtɪd/ (bre, ipa) · [spˈɪrɪtɪd] /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/ (ame, ipa) · [spˈɪrɪtɪd] /ˈspir-ə-təd How to pronounce spirited (audio)/ (ame, mw)

spirited — adjective

  • spiritedpositive
  • more spiritedcomparative
  • most spiritedsuperlative

1. full of lively energy and strong purpose, making a person, performance, or discu

1.形容詞C1
釋義

full of lively energy and strong purpose, making a person, performance, or discussion feel active, forceful, and hard to ignore.

例句

Lara gave a spirited speech that got the tired volunteers back on their feet.

common collocation: spirited speech

Even after two losses, Otis still ran with spirited effort to reach the finish line.

collocation: spirited effort

同義詞
  • lively

    the everyday choice; 'spirited' sounds stronger and carries more inner drive

  • energetic

    focuses on strength and activity; 'spirited' also suggests personality and spark

  • feisty

    adds a sharper, more combative edge than the broader sense of 'spirited'

  • determined

    centres on fixed purpose; 'spirited' keeps more movement and animation

反義詞

用法筆記

Often used for debates, speeches, performances, replies, or children. It points to lively force and drive rather than danger; if the person is facing risk or threat, sense 2 is usually the better fit.

常見錯誤

❌The soldiers made a spirited defence of the gate.
✅The soldiers made a brave defence of the gate.
💡in a dangerous situation, the courage sense is the better fit.
❌The lecture was spirited because the facts were correct.
✅The lecture was lively because the speaker kept everyone engaged.
💡this sense is about energy and force, not simple accuracy.

2. ready to face danger, pressure, or strong opposition without backing away; brave

2.形容詞C1
釋義

ready to face danger, pressure, or strong opposition without backing away; brave in action or attitude.

例句

Bilal made a spirited defence of his sister when older boys mocked her accent.

common collocation: spirited defence

Though they had more men, Kofi led a spirited fight to protect the bridge.

collocation: spirited fight

同義詞
  • brave

    the broad everyday word for facing danger

  • courageous

    more formal and often stronger in moral tone than 'spirited'

  • defiant

    stresses open resistance to authority or pressure

  • bold

    can suggest daring action; 'spirited' keeps the sense of inner fire

反義詞
  • timid

    not ready to act bravely

  • fearful

    held back by fear

  • cowed

    frightened into silence or submission

用法筆記

Most natural before nouns like 'defence', 'stand', 'fight', and 'response'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense highlights courage under danger or pressure, not simply lively energy.

常見錯誤

❌The children were spirited all afternoon, running around the garden.
✅The children were lively all afternoon, running around the garden.
💡with no danger or pressure, use the energy sense instead.
❌She gave a spirited answer because she knew the math problem.
✅She gave a confident answer because she knew the math problem.
💡this sense is about bravery under pressure, not ordinary certainty.