spirit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The non-physical part of a person, thought of as the seat of feelings and character; the soul.

   Though his body was weak, his spirit remained strong.

2. 2
   noun

   A person's mood or emotional state.

   I was in high spirits after passing all my exams.

3. 3
   noun

   A supernatural being without a physical body, such as a ghost.

   Many believe the old house is haunted by a restless spirit.

4. 4
   noun

   Enthusiasm, energy, or determination.

   The team played with great spirit even though they were losing.

5. 5
   noun

   A strong distilled alcoholic drink, such as whisky or vodka.

   The bar serves wine, beer, and a wide range of spirits.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Spirit came into Middle English from Latin spiritus, “breath” or “spirit,” derived from spirare, “to breathe.” The connection reflects the ancient image of the soul or life force as breath. Its late Middle English sense “strong distilled alcohol” developed through alchemical use of spirit for a liquid essence extracted from a substance.

From Middle English spirit, from Old French espirit (“spirit”), from Latin spīritus (“breath; spirit”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)peys- (“to blow, breathe”). Compare inspire, respire, transpire, all ultimately from Latin spīrō (“to breathe, blow, respire”). In this sense, displaced native Middle English gast (from Old English gāst), whence modern English ghost. Doublet of spiritus, spirytus, sprite, spright, and esprit.

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary