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Esprit: meaning, definitions and examples

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esprit

 

[ɛˈsprē ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

intellectual spirit

Esprit is a French word that translates to 'spirit' in English. It often refers to a lively, witty, or spirited quality of mind. The term captures the essence of creativity, intelligence, and vivacity. In various contexts, it can describe the spark of inspiration or the vibrant enthusiasm in a person's character or actions. Esprit not only conveys a sense of enthusiasm but also a depth of understanding and insight.

Synonyms

enthusiasm, intellect, spirit, vivacity, wit.

Examples of usage

  • Her esprit shone through in her art.
  • The team played with great esprit.
  • He was admired for his esprit and quick wit.
Context #2 | Noun

social spirit

In another sense, esprit can also refer to the collective spirit or morale of a group. It is often used to talk about the camaraderie and unity within teams or communities. High esprit de corps in a military unit, for example, signifies strong morale and fellowship among members, often leading to better performance and cohesion during activities.

Synonyms

camaraderie, fellowship, morale, team spirit, unity.

Examples of usage

  • The esprit de corps of the team was evident.
  • They fostered a sense of esprit within the organization.
  • His leadership boosted the esprit among the crew.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'esprit' comes from French, meaning 'spirit' or 'mind'.
  • It shares roots with the Latin word 'spiritus', which means 'breath' or 'soul', linking it to life and vitality.

Philosophy

  • Esprit is often discussed in the context of French intellectualism, emphasizing wit and creativity.
  • Philosopher René Descartes explored the idea of spirit as central to human existence, underscoring conscious thought.

Literature

  • In literary works, characters with 'esprit' are often portrayed as quick-thinking and engaging, inspiring others around them.
  • Authors such as Voltaire celebrated esprit in their writing, often coupling it with satire and social commentary.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'esprit' appears in popular sayings like 'joie de vivre', connecting it to a zest for life and enthusiasm.
  • Esprit de corps refers to a sense of pride and fellowship among members of a group, indicating the power of collective spirit.

Psychology

  • 'Esprit' can link to concepts of emotional intelligence, where a spirited and thoughtful mind navigates social interactions effectively.
  • Research shows that individuals with a lively spirit often contribute positively to group dynamics and creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "esprit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espírito

🇮🇳 आत्मा

🇩🇪 Geist

🇮🇩 jiwa

🇺🇦 дух

🇵🇱 duch

🇯🇵 精神 (せいしん)

🇫🇷 esprit

🇪🇸 espíritu

🇹🇷 ruh

🇰🇷 정신 (jeongsin)

🇸🇦 روح (روح)

🇨🇿 duch

🇸🇰 duch

🇨🇳 精神 (jīngshén)

🇸🇮 duh

🇮🇸 andi

🇰🇿 рух

🇬🇪 მოძღვრება (mots'ghvrueba)

🇦🇿 ruh

🇲🇽 espíritu

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,799, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.