Spirit

/ˈspɪɹɪt/ · noun

Meaning

The soul of a person or other creature..

Definitions by Sense

1. The soul of a person or other creature.
2. A supernatural being, often but not exclusively without physical form; ghost, fairy, angel.
3. A feeling of passion.
4. The manner or style of something.
5. Intent; real meaning; opposed to the letter, or formal statement.
6. (usually in the plural) A volatile liquid, such as alcohol. The plural form spirits is a generic term for distilled alcoholic beverages.
7. One who is vivacious or lively; one who evinces great activity or peculiar characteristics of mind or temper.
8. (often in the plural) Temper or disposition of mind; mental condition or disposition; intellectual or moral state.

Example Sentences

[…] St. Bede's at this period of its history was perhaps the poorest and most miserable parish in the East End of London. Close-packed, crushed by the buttressed height of the railway viaduct, rendered airless by huge walls of factories, it at once banished lively interest from a stranger's mind and left only a dull oppression of the spirit.

[…] a triumph of the spirit over the flesh.

I don't understand these people who call themselves spiritual advisors. Franklin Graham, the unfortunate son of Billy Graham, is George Bush's spiritual advisor. Bill Clinton had Jesse Jackson. Here's the part I don't understand: How can someone else advise you on your spirit? Isn't spirit an intensely personal, internal thing? Doesn't it, by its very nature, elude definition, much less analysis? What kind of advice could some drone who has devoted his life to the self-deception of religion possibly give you about your spirit? It sounds like a hustle to me.

Turians believe that groups and areas have "spirits" that transcend the individual. For example, a military unit would be considered to have a literal spirit that embodies the honor and courage it has displayed. A city's spirit reflects the accomplishments and industry of its residents. An ancient tree's spirit reflects the beauty and tranquility of the area it grows within. These spirits are neither good nor evil, nor are they appealed to for intercession. Turians do not believe spirits can affect the world, but spirits can inspire the living. Prayers and rituals allow an individual to converse with a spirit for guidance or inspiration. For example a turian who finds his loyalty tested may appeal to the spirit of his unit, hoping to reconnect with the pride and honor of the group. A turian who wishes to create a work of art may attempt to connect with the spirit of a beautiful location.

A wandering spirit haunts the island.

He has seen spirits roam the house.

Whilst young, preserve his tender mind from all impressions and notions of spirits and goblins[…] in the dark.

An unusual custom is followed at Llangennith, when shotguns are fired at a wedding - to scare off evil spirits from the newlyweds.

Synonyms for spirit

Antonyms for spirit

Related Words

Word Forms

• spirits
• spir't
• spiriting
• spirited

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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