spry

/spraɪ/ (bre, ipa) · [sprˈaɪ] /spraɪ/ (ame, ipa) · [sprˈaɪ] /ˈsprī How to pronounce spry (audio)/ (ame, mw)

spry — adjective

  • sprypositive
  • spriercomparative
  • spryestsuperlative

1. quick on your feet and still full of energy, especially in old age

1.形容詞C2
釋義

quick on your feet and still full of energy, especially in old age

例句

At eighty-two, Mert still looked spry as he hurried up the station steps.

pattern: look spry

The spry grandmother carried two picnic bags across the park herself.

used before a noun

同義詞
  • active

    More general and neutral; it does not especially suggest surprising energy in old age.

  • agile

    Often used for athletic or graceful movement rather than age-defying energy.

  • nimble

    Stresses quick, light movement or skilled control more than age.

反義詞
  • frail

    Suggests physical weakness and a lack of strength.

  • sluggish

    Emphasises slow movement and low energy.

  • stiff

    Suggests difficulty bending or moving easily.

文法句型

look/seem/stay + spry

spry enough to + verb

a spry + older person

spry for + age

用法筆記

Most often used in a warm, approving way for older people who still move easily and have plenty of energy. It suggests lively movement, not just general good health.

常見錯誤

❌The child is very spry in the playground.
✅The child is very lively in the playground.
💡'spry' is usually used for someone older than expected, not for an ordinary active child.
❌My grandfather is spry because he never gets colds.
✅My grandfather is spry because he still climbs the hill every morning.
💡'spry' describes energetic movement, not simply being healthy.