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Sprightly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sprightly

spright-ly

🇺🇸 /ˈspɹaɪtɫi/ · 🇬🇧 /spɹˈaɪtli/

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a person

Sprightly refers to someone who is full of energy and lively in appearance or behavior. It is often used to describe older individuals who maintain a youthful spirit and enthusiasm. Despite their age, a sprightly person remains active and cheerful, often engaging in social activities and hobbies. The term conveys a sense of vigor and brightness, contrasting with notions of frailty that can accompany aging.

Synonyms

animated, energetic, lively, vivacious.

Examples of usage

  • She danced with a sprightly step at the family gathering.
  • The sprightly old man surprised everyone with his running ability.
  • They have a sprightly conversation that brightens the room.
  • Her sprightly laugh was infectious at the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “sprightly”

Sprightly is a 2-syllable adjective (spright-ly). It is pronounced /ˈspɹaɪtɫi/ in American English and /spɹˈaɪtli/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 4 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #21,378 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'sprightly'

The word 'sprightly' has its origins in the late Middle English, deriving from the word 'spright,' which meant 'spirit' or 'fairy.' The term suggests a lively or energetic quality associated with these mythical beings. By the 14th century, 'sprightly' evolved to embody qualities of liveliness and vigor, especially in people, often highlighting a certain buoyancy related to youth or energy that transcends age. Over the centuries, 'sprightly' became a common descriptor for those who embody enthusiasm and joy, regardless of their years. The usage of the word is often positive, as it invokes a sense of brightness and cheerfulness that enriches social interactions and community engagements.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,378, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.