Esprit
n.joyful, energeticliterary
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.
Choose between these
6- playful
when one person's lively contribution animates a group
not when Spark can name potential or attraction rather than sustained esprit.
- everyday
spirit
when morale or lively character is meant plainly
not when Spirit is much broader and can include courage or loyalty.
- everyday
when quick clever expression deserves specific praise
not when Wit can be sharp or cruel and lacks esprit's shared liveliness.
- warm
when energetic style and enthusiasm are visible
not when Verve concerns execution and may not imply intelligence.
- literary
élan
when confident dash and style matter
not when Élan is equally foreign-looking and stresses flair over wit.
- literary
when animated liveliness is the main quality
not when Vivacity emphasizes energy and charm more than intelligence.
Said against
3- dullness
- lethargy
- heaviness
It naturally appears in
3- esprit de corps
Shared hardship strengthened the crew's esprit de corps.
- full of esprit
The compact performance was full of esprit and precision.
- wit and esprit
Her letters combine practical detail with wit and esprit.