spirit
spirit — verb
1. to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick
to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick way, so that others do not notice what has happened
Sade spirited the documents out of the office while the guard was on a break.
spirit + noun + out of [place]
During the escape, the hostages were spirited across the border in a delivery truck.
passive: be spirited across [border]
The organizers spirited the injured musician off the stage before the audience noticed.
spirit + noun + off [place]
A small team of workers spirited the ancient statues away from the temple at midnight.
spirit + noun + away from [place]
Ezra spirited the stolen phone out of the workshop while the guards were checking the gate.
spirit + noun + out of [place] — active voice
- spirit away
- spirit off
- spirit out of
- spirit across
- spirit from
Grammar Patterns
spirit + noun phrase + adverb/preposition (away, off, out, across, from)
be spirited + adverb/preposition (passive)
Usage Note
Almost always used with a directional adverb or prepositional phrase (away, off, out, across, from) that indicates where the person or thing is taken to or from. The passive form (be spirited away/off/out) is especially common in narrative writing.
Common Mistakes
spirit — noun
1. the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are con
the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are connected with a particular time, place, or activity
The team spirit at the local sports club brought neighbors of all ages together.
collocation: team spirit
Minho admired the independent spirit of the small bookshop owners in his neighborhood.
Parkdale School encouraged a spirit of cooperation by pairing older students with younger reading buddies.
pattern: spirit of [noun] — specific institution and action
A spirit of generosity filled the community hall during the winter food drive.
Élise could sense the competitive spirit when her pottery classmates kept peeking at each other's work.
collocation: competitive spirit — in a specific classroom setting
- team spirit
- community spirit
- pioneer spirit
- spirit of cooperation
- spirit of adventure
- competitive spirit
- independent spirit
- ethos
more formal, used for the guiding beliefs of a culture or institution
- atmosphere
focuses on the mood or feeling in a place, not the shared goals
Grammar Patterns
spirit + of + noun
possessive + spirit
Usage Note
Often followed by 'of' and a noun describing the quality or purpose (e.g. spirit of cooperation, spirit of adventure). Singular only in this sense.
Common Mistakes
2. a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happin
a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happiness, or energy — typically expressed in fixed phrases such as 'in high spirits' or 'spirits sank'
The team's spirits sank when they saw the rain pouring down on match day.
pattern: spirits sank / spirits rose / spirits lifted
The team's spirits were low after they lost the final match by a single point.
pattern: spirits were low
Hot tea and a warm blanket lifted Quinn's spirits on the rainy afternoon.
collocation: lift/raise someone's spirits
The children's cheerful laughter raised everyone's spirits during the long car trip.
Christopher tried hard to keep his spirits up despite the difficult exam results.
phrase: keep one's spirits up
- in high spirits
- in good spirits
- in low spirits
- lift spirits
- raise spirits
- spirits rise
- spirits sink
- keep one's spirits up
- spirits were high
- spirits were low
Grammar Patterns
in good/high/low spirits
raise/lift someone's spirits
spirits are high/low
Usage Note
Almost always plural ('spirits') in this sense. Common in fixed phrases like 'in good/low spirits,' 'lift/raise spirits,' and 'spirits rise/sink.' The singular 'spirit' is extremely rare in this meaning.
Common Mistakes
3. a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tirednes
a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tiredness, or worry; most commonly used in the phrase 'in good spirits' or 'in high spirits'
Despite the early morning flight, the travelers were in surprisingly good spirits.
phrase: in good spirits
Manuela arrived in high spirits, carrying a box of pastries for everyone to share.
phrase: in high spirits
The children were in excellent spirits after spending the whole afternoon at the beach.
Grandpa's good spirits lasted all evening as he told jokes around the campfire after the hike.
After a tough week at work, Mei was in surprisingly good spirits when she joined us for dinner.
recovery from difficulty: after [difficult period], [person] was in good spirits
- in good spirits
- in high spirits
- in excellent spirits
- in surprisingly good spirits
- cheerful
an adjective describing a person's mood, not a noun like 'spirits'
- in a good mood
a common alternative phrase that is less specific to the 'lifted from low' context
- in low spirits
the opposite: feeling sad or discouraged
Grammar Patterns
in good/high spirits
in excellent spirits
be in spirits
Usage Note
Distinguish from MOOD (sense 2): MOOD covers any emotional state (good or bad), while GOOD SPIRITS specifically describes a cheerful and energetic state. 'In good spirits' is a fixed phrase that cannot be changed to 'in happy spirits' or 'in nice spirits.'
Common Mistakes
4. the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, consi
the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, considered apart from the exact words that describe it
The judge argued that the company had violated the spirit of the environmental law.
phrase: spirit of the law
Although the contract was technically correct, it went against the spirit of the original agreement.
contrast with letter of the law
Kian believed the spirit of the library's noise rule mattered more than its exact wording.
The housing policy was written in a spirit of fairness, even though some details needed adjustment.
pattern: in the spirit of [value] — concrete policy domain
Critics said the proposal failed to capture the spirit of the founding document.
- spirit of the law
- spirit of the agreement
- spirit of the rule
- in the spirit of
- go against the spirit
- violate the spirit
- capture the spirit
- letter (of the law)
the exact literal wording, as opposed to the intended meaning
Grammar Patterns
the spirit of the law/agreement/rule
spirit + of + noun
Usage Note
Often contrasted with 'the letter of the law' (the exact wording). Common in legal, political, and business contexts. The singular 'spirit' is always used in this sense.
Common Mistakes
5. the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a s
the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a special occasion, holiday, or event
The whole street was decorated with lights and filled with Christmas spirit.
collocation: Christmas spirit
Eshe bought gifts and baked cookies to get into the holiday spirit early.
phrase: get into the [occasion] spirit
The whole town joined the cherry blossom parade with a true spirit of celebration and community pride.
pattern: true spirit of [noun] — with named event
The team threw a party full of carnival spirit, with games and music for all.
Despite the rain, the wedding guests danced all night with great party spirit.
collocation: party spirit
- Christmas spirit
- party spirit
- holiday spirit
- festival spirit
- carnival spirit
- get into the spirit
- true spirit of celebration
- festive mood
similar but broader; can describe any holiday atmosphere, not just personal enthusiasm
Grammar Patterns
the [occasion] spirit
spirit of [celebration]
Usage Note
Typically used with a preceding noun that names the occasion (Christmas spirit, party spirit, festival spirit). Singular only. 'Get into the spirit' is a common phrasal expression meaning to start participating with enthusiasm.
Common Mistakes
6. an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, s
an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, show determination, or try harder
"I can finish the race if I keep going." "That's the spirit!" her coach replied.
fixed expression: That's the spirit!
Eli promised to study harder next term, and his father smiled. "That's the spirit!"
"We can fix this problem together," the team leader said. "That's the spirit!" everyone shouted.
"I'll practice every day," the violinist said. "That's the spirit!" her teacher answered.
- That's the spirit!
- good for you
a more general expression of approval, not specifically for determination
- way to go
informal, used to praise an achievement rather than encourage an attitude
Grammar Patterns
That's the spirit!
Usage Note
Only used as a standalone exclamation ('That's the spirit!') in response to someone's remark or action. Cannot be used in other grammatical structures ('I have spirit' does not carry this meaning).
Common Mistakes
7. the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and pers
the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and personality, and that is often thought to survive the death of the physical body
Apinya believes the human spirit lives on even after the body stops working.
uncountable: the human spirit / the spirit lives on
The meditation retreat helped Liam connect with his inner spirit and find peace.
collocation: inner spirit
In many traditional ceremonies, people call upon the spirit of their ancestors for guidance.
collocation: spirit of [ancestors / the dead]
During the weekend retreat, Yan felt a wave of calm rising from her spirit, not just her body.
contrast: body vs spirit — in a specific setting
The doctor could heal the body, but the priest tended to the wounded spirit.
contrast: body vs spirit
- human spirit
- inner spirit
- spirit of [someone]
- body and spirit
Usage Note
Often contrasted with 'body' or 'flesh' in religious and philosophical contexts. Frequently uncountable — do not say 'a spirit' when referring to the non-physical essence of a living person.
Common Mistakes
8. the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a
the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a ghost
The old castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young bride.
countable: spirit of [person] / haunted by a spirit
Selim told the children that no spirits lived in their new house, only dust and creaking stairs.
plural: spirits
Reema felt a cold presence in the room and wondered if it was a spirit passing through.
A local legend says the spirits of lost sailors appear on the cliff every full moon.
collocation: spirits of [the dead / lost sailors]
Tendai refuses to watch horror movies because the angry spirits scare her too much.
adjective + spirit: angry / evil / restless spirit
- evil spirit
- restless spirit
- spirit of [the dead]
- haunted by a spirit
- ghost
More common in everyday English; 'spirit' can sound more respectful or less frightening.
- phantom
More literary and dramatic; suggests a vague, unreal shape.
- apparition
Formal; emphasises the visual appearance of a supernatural being.
Usage Note
Countable — 'a spirit' / 'spirits'. Distinguish from sense 7 (NOT BODY, uncountable): that sense refers to the living person's non-physical essence, whereas this sense refers to a supernatural entity, usually of someone deceased.
Common Mistakes
9. a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face ch
a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face challenges
Lotte played the final match with great spirit even though her team was losing.
collocation: with great spirit / with spirit
The team showed real fighting spirit by coming back from three goals down.
collocation: fighting / competitive spirit
Greta admired the community spirit of her neighbours, who helped rebuild the playground together.
collocation: community spirit
After working twelve hours on the factory line, Ryan had no spirit left to argue with his supervisor.
collocation: lack/have no spirit to [do sth] — with specific workplace scene
The lantern parade filled the old streets with colour, music, and the joyful spirit of neighbours celebrating together.
adjective + spirit: joyful spirit — with specific visual setting
- team spirit
- community spirit
- fighting spirit
- with spirit
- full of spirit
- enthusiasm
Direct synonym, though 'spirit' adds a sense of inner drive rather than just liking something.
- energy
Focuses on the active, lively aspect; less about determination.
- determination
Emphasises perseverance and resolve; overlaps with 'fighting spirit'.
- morale
Used for groups (team morale); 'spirit' works for both individuals and groups.
- apathy
Lack of interest or enthusiasm.
- discouragement
Loss of confidence or willingness to continue.
Usage Note
Frequently modified by an adjective describing the type of enthusiasm ('team spirit', 'pioneering spirit', 'independent spirit'). Cannot be made countable — do not write 'a good spirit' in this sense.
Common Mistakes
10. any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, prod
any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, produced by distillation rather than by ordinary fermentation
Ilan ordered a glass of water instead of spirits because he was driving home.
plural: spirits — general category of strong drinks
The bar serves wine, beer, and a wide selection of spirits from around the world.
countable as category: a selection of spirits
Madison keeps a bottle of expensive spirit for special occasions but rarely drinks alone.
singular countable: a / one spirit — one type of strong drink
In Taiwan you must be at least eighteen to buy spirits at a convenience store.
The party guests drank beer all evening, but nobody touched the bottle of whisky on the table.
uncountable reference: bottle of [whisky] — specific spirit type
- a bottle of spirit
- spirits and wine
- beer, wine, and spirits
- a selection of spirits
- liquor
More common in American English; 'spirits' is more frequent in British English.
- hard alcohol
Informal; contrasts with beer and wine.
Usage Note
Often used in the plural 'spirits' to mean strong alcoholic drinks collectively. As a countable noun, 'a spirit' refers to a specific type or brand. This sense is more common in British English; American English often prefers 'liquor'.
Common Mistakes
11. a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cle
a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cleaning, dissolving paint, or medical disinfection
The artist cleaned her brushes with methylated spirit before switching to a new colour.
technical use: methylated spirit / surgical spirit
Reema wiped the cut with spirit before putting on a bandage.
medical use: wiping with spirit
That stain will not come out with soap — you need a stronger spirit to dissolve the grease.
The factory stores barrels of industrial spirit for cleaning machine parts overnight.
compound: industrial spirit / white spirit
Selim spilled a bit of spirit on the workbench, and the strong smell filled the whole garage.
- methylated spirit
- white spirit
- surgical spirit
- industrial spirit
- wipe with spirit
- solvent
Broader category; includes non-alcohol-based liquids used for dissolving.
- rubbing alcohol
American English term for medical spirit.
- methylated spirits
Specific type; ethanol with additives to make it undrinkable.
Usage Note
This sense is uncountable and refers to the base liquid, not to a branded product. Distinguish from sense 10: sense 11 is NOT for drinking and is usually modified by a purpose or type ('methylated spirit', 'white spirit', 'industrial spirit'). In American English, 'rubbing alcohol' is more common for the medical variety.
Common Mistakes
12. a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example,
a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example, a kind spirit, a free spirit, or a brave spirit
Lara is a free spirit who travels to a new country every year without a plan.
collocation: free spirit — someone independent, unconventional
Grandpa was a generous spirit who gave half his pension to local charities each month.
adjective + spirit: generous / kind / noble spirit
Everyone in the village mourned Mrs. Chen, who had been such a kind spirit to the neighbourhood children.
Apinya admired her uncle as a kindred spirit because they both loved old jazz records.
idiomatic: kindred spirit — someone with similar tastes or values
A competitive spirit like Tendai hates losing even a friendly game of cards.
adjective + spirit: competitive / adventurous / restless spirit
- free spirit
- kind spirit
- kindred spirit
- generous spirit
- competitive spirit
Usage Note
Always preceded by an adjective or similar modifier that describes the person's character. Cannot stand alone — you would not say 'He is a spirit' without an adjective. The modifier tells the reader which kind of person is meant.
Common Mistakes
You do something when you feel like doing it, not because you have to.
Maya decided to paint her room when the spirit moved her.
If the spirit moves you, join us for a walk in the park.
fighting spirit
idiomA strong determination to keep trying and not give up, especially in difficult situations.
The team showed great fighting spirit and won the match.
Even after losing his job, Diego kept his fighting spirit.
in spirit
idiomThinking about someone even though you are not physically with them.
I will be with you in spirit on your wedding day.
Though far away, Sara was with her family in spirit.
To make someone feel happier or more hopeful.
A funny movie always raises my spirits after a bad day.
Brian's cheerful voice raised the spirits of the whole group.
You want to do something good, but you are too tired, lazy, or busy to actually do it.
I planned to exercise, but the spirit is willing and the flesh is weak.
Aiden wanted to study, but the spirit was willing and the flesh was weak.
Word family
- spiritualadjectiveB2
- spirituallyadverbB2
- spiritualitynounC1
- spiritedadjectiveB2
- spiritedlyadverbC1
- dispiritverbC2
- dispiritedadjectiveC1
- spiritlessadjectiveC2
- spiritualismnounC2
- spiritualistnounC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/9
Spirit has several near-synonyms that each cover a different slice of its meaning. 'Soul' (NOT BODY sense) leans toward the immortal, religious aspect of a person — what survives death — while 'spirit' in that sense also includes mind, character, and personality during life: you can say 'a generous spirit' about a living person, but 'a generous soul' sounds more about their inherent goodness. 'Ghost' (GHOST sense) is the everyday word for a visible supernatural entity; 'spirit' in that sense sounds more respectful or neutral — a 'restless spirit' compared to a 'scary ghost'. For ENTHUSIASM, 'enthusiasm' itself is more general (you can be enthusiastic about a hobby), while 'spirit' emphasises inner drive and resilience — 'team spirit', 'fighting spirit' are about determination, not just liking something. For the ALCOHOL sense, 'liquor' is the dominant American English term; 'spirits' is more common in British English and sounds slightly more formal. 'Hard alcohol' is informal and contrasts directly with beer and wine.
Common collocations
Phrases
- team spirit
- community spirit
- holiday spirit
- fighting spirit
- in spirit
- raise someone's spirits
- get into the spirit
- the spirit of the law
- kindred spirit
- free spirit
- that's the spirit
- body and spirit
Prepositions
- in spirit
- with spirit
- of spirit
Etymology
From Latin 'spiritus' meaning 'breath, breathing' — the same root as 'respire' and 'perspire'. The idea was that breath is the animating force of life. It passed through Old French 'espirit' into Middle English, gradually taking on meanings related to the soul, courage, mood, distilled alcohol (thought to be the 'essence' of wine), and supernatural beings.