First Known Use: 1596
Dictionary
sprightly
adjective spright·ly \-lē\
: full of life and energy
spright·li·erspright·li·est
Full Definition of SPRIGHTLY
1
: marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : spirited <a sprightly musical>
2
: having a distinctively piquant taste : zesty <a sprightly salsa>
— spright·li·ness noun
— sprightly adverb
See sprightly defined for English-language learners
See sprightly defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPRIGHTLY
obsolete spright (sprite), alteration of sprite
Related to SPRIGHTLY
- Synonyms
- active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, jaunty, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, lively, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy
- Antonyms
- dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid
Synonym Discussion of SPRIGHTLY
lively, animated, vivacious, sprightly, gay mean keenly alive and spirited. lively suggests briskness, alertness, or energy <a lively debate on the issues>. animated applies to what is spirited and active <an animated discussion of current events>. vivacious suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring <a vivacious party host>. sprightly suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit <a tuneful, sprightly musical>. gay stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits <the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s>.
SPRIGHTLY Defined for Kids
sprightly
adjective spright·ly \ˈsprīt-lē\
spright·li·erspright·li·est
Definition of SPRIGHTLY for Kids
: full of spirit : lively
Learn More About SPRIGHTLY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sprigtailPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sprightlilyAll Words Near: sprightly
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sprightly? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).