Synonyms for spirits

Grammar : Noun

Spell : spir-it

Phonetic Transcription : ˈspɪr ɪt

Définition of spirits

Origin : mid-13c., "animating or vital principle in man and animals," from Old French espirit, from Latin spiritus "soul, courage, vigor, breath," related to spirare "to breathe," from PIE *(s)peis- "to blow" (cf. Old Church Slavonic pisto "to play on the flute").
Original usage in English mainly from passages in Vulgate, where the Latin word translates Greek pneuma and Hebrew ruah. Distinction between "soul" and "spirit" (as "seat of emotions") became current in Christian terminology (e.g. Greek psykhe vs. pneuma, Latin anima vs. spiritus) but "is without significance for earlier periods" [Buck]. Latin spiritus, usually in classical Latin "breath," replaces animus in the sense "spirit" in the imperial period and appears in Christian writings as the usual equivalent of Greek pneuma.
Meaning "supernatural being" is attested from c.1300 (see ghost); that of "essential principle of something" (in a non-theological sense, e.g. Spirit of St. Louis) is attested from 1690, common after 1800. Plural form spirits "volatile substance" is an alchemical idea, first attested 1610; sense narrowed to "strong alcoholic liquor" by 1670s. This also is the sense in spirit level (1768).

noun morale

Example sentences :

For several weeks, there was no apparent change in Philothea's health or spirits.
Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child

The young man himself had recovered his spirits wonderfully.
Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson

His spirits rose, and he felt that life was just beginning for him.
Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger

Whenever he was fresh and full of spirits, he had enough to overflow upon her and every one.
Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson

Here my spirits revived, and I began to find excuses for the painters.
Extract from : « Yorkshire Painted And Described » by Gordon Home

Our companion, like her husband, was full of health, spirits and information.
Extract from : « The Roof of France » by Matilda Betham-Edwards

Day by day the spirits of the Syracusans sank lower and lower.
Extract from : « Stories from Thucydides » by H. L. Havell

This important success raised the spirits of the Syracusans higher than ever.
Extract from : « Stories from Thucydides » by H. L. Havell

"There are spirits in all things," said the Onondaga gravely.
Extract from : « The Trail Book » by Mary Austin

Allis's success with Lauzanne had taken a load from her spirits.
Extract from : « Thoroughbreds » by W. A. Fraser

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019