- 1[uncountable, countable] the part of a person that includes their mind, feelings, and character rather than their body the power of the human spirit to overcome difficulties
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- 2spirits [plural] a person's feelings or state of mind to be in high/low spirits You must try and keep your spirits up (= stay cheerful). My spirits sank at the prospect of starting all over again.
- 3[countable] (always with an adjective) a person of the type mentioned a brave spirit kindred spirits (= people who like the same things as you) see free spirit courage/determination
- 4[uncountable] courage, determination, or energy Show a little fighting spirit. Although the team lost, they played with tremendous spirit. They took away his freedom and broke his spirit. loyal feelings
- 5[uncountable, singular] loyal feelings toward a group, team, or society There's not much community spirit around here. see team spirit attitude
- 6[singular] a state of mind or mood; an attitude We approached the situation in the wrong spirit. “OK, I'll try.” “That's the spirit (= the right attitude).” The party went well because everyone entered into the spirit of things. typical quality
- 7[singular] the typical or most important quality or mood of something The exhibition captures the spirit of the age/times.
- 8[uncountable] the real or intended meaning or purpose of something Obey the spirit, not the letter (= the narrow meaning of the words) of the law. soul
- 9[countable] the soul thought of as separate from the body and believed to live on after death; a ghost He is dead, but his spirit lives on. It was believed that people could be possessed by evil spirits. see Holy Spirit imaginary creature
- 10[countable] (old-fashioned) an imaginary creature with magic powers, for example, a fairy or an elf alcohol
- 11[countable, usually plural] (old-fashioned) a strong alcoholic drink I don't drink whiskey or brandy or any other spirits.
- 12[uncountable] a special type of alcohol used in industry or medicine Idioms
mind/feelings/character
as/when/if you feel like it I'll go for a run this evening, if the spirit moves me.
a feeling that you are ready to fight very hard for something or to try something difficult
in your thoughts I will be with you in spirit (= thinking about you though not with you physically).
to make someone feel more cheerful or brave synonym cheer somebodyon The sunny weather raised my spirits a little.
you intend to do good things but you are too lazy, weak, or busy to actually do them
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