# spirit

/ˈspɪɹət/ (US) · /spˈɪɹɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/spirit
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. soul or inner self

noun · CEFR B1

the part of a person that is not their body, often thought to continue after death.

For teachers: the non-corporeal essence of a human being, often associated with the soul, mind, or character.

- Although he was old and weak, his spirit remained young and full of hope.
- Many philosophical traditions debate whether the spirit is a distinct entity that can exist independently of the biological brain.

### 2. supernatural being

noun · CEFR B1

a ghost or a supernatural creature that does not have a physical body.

For teachers: a supernatural being or incorporeal entity, such as a ghost, fairy, or sprite.

- Local legends say the spirit of a young woman haunts the old castle.
- The folklore of the region is populated by forest spirits that are said to protect the ancient trees from woodcutters.

### 3. mood or attitude

noun · CEFR B1

the way you feel at a particular time, or your general attitude toward life.

For teachers: a person's mental or emotional state; the prevailing mood or attitude of a group.

- The team was in high spirits after winning the championship game.
- Despite the economic downturn, the community maintained a spirit of resilience and mutual support.

### 4. enthusiasm or energy

noun · CEFR B2

energy, courage, and determination.

For teachers: the quality of being resilient, energetic, or courageous.

- The young athlete showed great spirit even when she was losing the race.
- The protesters demonstrated an indomitable spirit, refusing to leave the square despite the freezing temperatures.

### 5. true intent

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the real meaning or purpose of something, rather than just the exact words used.

For teachers: the intended meaning or purpose of a law or agreement, contrasted with its literal interpretation.

- The judge ruled that the company had violated the spirit of the law.
- Legal scholars often distinguish between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law when interpreting constitutional amendments.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'the spirit of the law' or 'the spirit of the agreement'.

### 6. strong alcohol

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

strong alcoholic drinks like vodka, gin, or whiskey.

For teachers: strong distilled alcoholic liquor; usually plural in general contexts.

- The bar serves a wide variety of beers, wines, and spirits.
- The duty-free shop offers a significant discount on premium spirits, including aged scotch and imported cognac.

Usage: Usually plural ('spirits') when referring to beverages; singular ('spirit') in technical or industrial contexts like 'methylated spirit'.

### 7. to take away secretly

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary

to take someone or something away quickly and secretly.

For teachers: to carry off or remove someone or something mysteriously or secretly.

- The witness was spirited away to a safe house before the trial began.
- Under the cover of darkness, the valuable paintings were spirited out of the gallery just hours before the occupation began.

Usage: Almost always used with 'away' or 'off' as a phrasal verb.

## Examples

- The team showed a great spirit during the game.
- Although she was physically tired, her spirit remained strong and hopeful throughout the journey.
- The laws were written to capture the spirit of the new constitution, ensuring that the fundamental rights of every citizen were protected in practice as well as in theory.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.