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Spirit: meaning, definitions and examples

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spirit

 

[ˈspɪrɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The vital principle or animating force within living beings.

Synonyms

entity, essence, soul.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spirit

Use 'spirit' to refer to the non-physical part of a person that is the seat of emotions and character. It's often used in a positive or neutral context.

  • Her spirit was unbroken, despite all the difficulties.
  • They celebrated the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
soul

Use 'soul' to talk about the spiritual or immaterial part of a human being that is often considered immortal. It's used in religious, emotional, or literary contexts.

  • He prayed for the soul of the departed.
  • Music can touch the soul in profound ways.
entity

Use 'entity' in more formal, legal, or abstract contexts to refer to anything that exists as a single and complete unit, especially something that is living or has an existence.

  • The company became an independent entity after the merger.
  • Artificial intelligence can be considered a new kind of entity.
essence

Use 'essence' to talk about the most important part or fundamental nature of something or someone. It's often used in philosophical, literary, or poetic contexts.

  • The essence of his argument was hard to grasp.
  • She captured the essence of the character in her performance.

Examples of usage

  • Spirits are said to roam the earth after death.
  • She felt a presence, a spirit watching over her.
  • The shaman called upon the spirits for guidance.
Context #2 | Noun

attitude

The prevailing or typical quality, mood, or attitude of a person or group.

Synonyms

character, disposition, temperament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spirit

Often refers to one's emotional or mental state, enthusiasm, or morale. It can also refer to the non-physical part of a person, often used in a more abstract or metaphysical sense.

  • The team's spirit was high after the victory.
  • Her adventurous spirit led her to travel the world.
character

Describes the set of qualities or traits that define a person, often related to integrity, morals, and ethical behavior.

  • He was known for his strong character and honesty.
  • Her character was tested in times of adversity.
temperament

Similar to disposition but more fixed and inherent, it relates to a person's natural mood and behavior patterns. Used often in psychology to describe fundamental aspects of personality.

  • His calm temperament made him an excellent negotiator.
  • Each dog breed has a specific temperament that owners should be aware of.
disposition

Refers to a person's usual mood or temperament, how they typically react or behave in certain situations. Can sometimes have a slight negative connotation if describing a tendency toward negative emotions.

  • She has a cheerful disposition, always smiling and positive.
  • His irritable disposition made it hard for others to work with him.

Examples of usage

  • The team displayed a fighting spirit during the match.
  • She had a free spirit, always seeking adventure.
  • The city had a lively spirit that drew people in.
Context #3 | Noun

alcohol

A strong distilled alcoholic drink.

Synonyms

alcohol, booze, liquor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spirit

Typically used in formal contexts to refer to distilled beverages. It can also mean the ethos or essence of something.

  • This cocktail contains a quality spirit.
  • The spirit of the holiday season is evident everywhere.
liquor

Often used to refer specifically to strong distilled alcoholic beverages. It is slightly more formal than 'booze' but less formal than 'spirit'.

  • The liquor store closes at 10 PM.
  • She prefers liquor over beer.
alcohol

A general term often used in medical, scientific, and formal discussions to describe beverages containing ethanol.

  • The doctor advised him to limit his alcohol intake.
  • Alcohol is usually served at the party.
booze

Informal and often used in a casual or humorous manner. Sometimes it can have a slightly negative connotation when referring to excessive drinking.

  • They went out for some booze after work.
  • He has a stash of booze hidden away.

Examples of usage

  • He poured himself a glass of spirits to relax.
  • The bartender mixed the cocktail with various spirits.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'spirit' comes from the Latin 'spiritus', which means breath or soul.
  • In ancient cultures, the concept of spirit often included the idea of a guiding force or essence that connects all living things.
  • Historically, the understanding of spirit has expanded through various religions and philosophies, emphasizing its role in life after death.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate spirits through festivals, such as Dia de los Muertos in Mexico, honoring deceased loved ones.
  • In Native American traditions, spirits are believed to represent ancestors, nature, or animals, often seen as guides.
  • The concept of spirit is a common theme in literature and film, often used to symbolize courage, hope, and resilience.

Psychology

  • The term 'spirit' is often linked to mental well-being, suggesting that a strong or positive spirit can enhance overall health.
  • Psychologists discuss the 'human spirit' in the context of motivation and the ability to overcome adversity.
  • Spiritual practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, are shown to improve emotional resilience and inner peace.

Pop Culture

  • The movie 'It's a Wonderful Life' explores the importance of one man's spirit and its impact on those around him.
  • In video games, characters often have 'spirit' abilities that give them special powers or enhance their fighting skills.
  • The term 'spirit animal' has become popular in modern culture, symbolizing guidance, personal traits, or strength.

Religion and Philosophy

  • In many religious traditions, the spirit is seen as the eternal part of an individual that transcends physical existence.
  • Buddhism emphasizes the idea of releasing attachments to the material world to nurture the spirit’s true nature.
  • Various spiritual philosophies propose that being in touch with one's spirit can lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment.

Translations

Translations of the word "spirit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espírito

🇮🇳 आत्मा

🇩🇪 Geist

🇮🇩 roh

🇺🇦 дух

🇵🇱 duch

🇯🇵 精神 (せいしん)

🇫🇷 esprit

🇪🇸 espíritu

🇹🇷 ruh

🇰🇷 정신 (jeongsin)

🇸🇦 روح

🇨🇿 duch

🇸🇰 duch

🇨🇳 精神 (jīngshén)

🇸🇮 duh

🇮🇸 andi

🇰🇿 рух

🇬🇪 სული

🇦🇿 ruh

🇲🇽 espíritu

Word Frequency Rank

At #961 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.