English Reference

Word

spirits

Phoneticsspir·its, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈspɪɹɪts/

UK/spˈɪɹɪts/

Definitions

01mood or feelings

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun

n. the way you feel at a particular time, especially if you are happy or hopeful.

n. a person's emotional state or level of enthusiasm. Usually plural; often modified by adjectives like 'high' or 'low'.

“The team was in high spirits after winning the final game of the season.”

“Despite the initial setbacks, the crew remained in good spirits, confident that the repairs would be completed before the storm arrived.”

Usage

Usually used in the plural form when referring to mood.

Synonyms

02strong alcohol

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun British English

n. strong alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, vodka, or gin.

n. distilled alcoholic beverages as opposed to fermented ones like beer or wine.

“The bar serves a wide variety of beers, wines, and spirits.”

“The import tax on spirits has risen sharply, affecting the retail price of premium gin and scotch whiskey.”

Usage

Commonly used in British, Australian, and New Zealand English; American English speakers typically prefer 'liquor'.

Synonyms

liquorhard liquor

Real-World Examples

“Kathryn, who takes part in walks at Heligan Gardens near Mevagissey, noted the walks helped lift her spirits when she felt down.”
BBC News 9 Sept 2026
“And losing to the defending champions, who also reached last season's Champions League final , was not going to dampen their spirits.”
BBC News 21 Aug 2026

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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