spirited
/ˈspɪrɪtɪd
/adjective
1Full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination: a spirited campaigner for women’s rights...
- Their spirited determination to proceed as normal was universally applauded.
- The spirited mother's courage and love for her son lend the narrative warmth and dignity.
- All three students agreed it was a lively, humorous, spirited debate and a rewarding experience.
Synonyms
lively, vivacious, vibrant, full of life, vital, animated, high-spirited, sparkling, sprightly, energetic, active, vigorous, dynamic, dashing, enthusiastic, passionate, fiery;
courageous, brave, plucky, bold, valiant, mettlesome, intrepid, determined, resolute, enterprising
informal feisty, spunky, have-a-go, gutsy, ballsy
North American informal peppy
2 [in combination] Having a specified character, attitude, or mood: a warm-hearted, generous-spirited man
Derivatives
spiritedly
/ adverb ...- The striker's selective use of statistics ignores three comprehensive defeats, and a difference in points the width of the North Sea, but he adds spiritedly: ‘Of course we can lie down and die.’
- Also, even though we cover everything, and have been quite spiritedly political of late, we are perceived as a pop culture site, and a lot of bloggers don't see this as ‘serious.’
- ‘Well, I have six years in which to learn,’ she said spiritedly.
spiritedness
- Her spiritedness was much evoked by her friends.
- The poverty of the people is obvious, but at the same time a certain spiritedness seems to survive.
- Brio is what Peruvians call the willing, controllable spiritedness that typifies the breed.