Esprit
What it means
Lively intelligence, wit, and cheerful spirit.
Reach for it when giving elegant praise to a group's or person's animated character
The new conductor brought wit and esprit to rehearsals.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when one person's lively contribution animates a group
Careful Spark can name potential or attraction rather than sustained esprit.
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everyday
spirit
Fits when morale or lively character is meant plainly
Careful Spirit is much broader and can include courage or loyalty.
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everyday
Fits when quick clever expression deserves specific praise
Careful Wit can be sharp or cruel and lacks esprit's shared liveliness.
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warm
Fits when energetic style and enthusiasm are visible
Careful Verve concerns execution and may not imply intelligence.
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literary
élan
Fits when confident dash and style matter
Not when Élan is equally foreign-looking and stresses flair over wit.
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literary
Fits when animated liveliness is the main quality
Careful Vivacity emphasizes energy and charm more than intelligence.
Opposites 3
- dullness
- lethargy
- heaviness
Common phrases 3
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esprit de corps
Shared hardship strengthened the crew's esprit de corps.
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full of esprit
The compact performance was full of esprit and precision.
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wit and esprit
Her letters combine practical detail with wit and esprit.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated