B1noun1K

Spirit

UK /["/ˈspɪrɪt/"]/US /["/ˈspɪrɪt/"]/

Definition

the part of a person that includes their mind, feelings and character rather than their body

In simple words: The non-physical part of a person that is connected to emotions and character.

Examples

She has a very positive spirit that lifts everyone up.
The athlete showed great spirit during the competition despite the odds.
The ghostly spirit haunted the old house every night.
Many cultures believe that a person's spirit lives on after they die.
He enjoys drinking spirits such as whiskey and vodka on special occasions.

Usage notes

Used in contexts related to emotions, motivation, or religious beliefs. It can be informal when referring to enthusiasm, e.g., 'team spirit'. Not typically used in formal academic writing.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spirit' as your emotional 'spark' that brings you to life.

Collocations

human
in spirit
flagging
keep up
lift
raise
lift
rise
in good, high, low, poor, etc. spirits
guiding
leading
moving
great
tremendous
adventurous
be full of
have
display
with spirit
broken in spirit
community
party
public
have
develop
foster
right
essential
genuine
have
enter into
get into
in a spirit of
spirit of
be closer in spirit to something
be similar in spirit to something
be faithful to the spirit of something
right
essential
genuine
have
enter into
get into
in a spirit of
spirit of
be closer in spirit to something
be similar in spirit to something
be faithful to the spirit of something
obey
be against
be contrary to
the spirit of the law
ancestral
evil
malevolent
conjure up
contact
invoke
live on
move somebody
guide
world
body, mind and spirit
the Holy Spirit
the spirits of the dead
bottle
measure
drink

Synonyms

cheer up

Antonyms

apathy
indifference

Common mistakes

Confused with 'spirit' as in 'mood' and 'spirit' as in 'ghost'.
Using 'spirit' interchangeably with 'soul' without context.
Incorrectly pluralizing it to 'spirits' when used in a non-quantitative sense.