What does spirit mean?
“Spirit” is a flexible English noun with several related meanings. Most commonly, it describes a person’s mood, disposition, or determination: someone may act “in good spirit” or demonstrate “a fighting spirit.” It can also refer to the animating force associated with life, consciousness, or a particular place, and to the atmosphere of a community or tradition. In religious and supernatural contexts, a spirit may be an immaterial being or presence. The word can additionally mean the essential character or active principle of a substance, while the plural “spirits” commonly denotes alcoholic liquor. Its broad range makes it useful whenever a speaker wants to discuss inner vitality, emotional disposition, atmosphere, or essence rather than a narrow physical object.
A person’s attitude, mood, or character; the animating essence or life force of a person, place, or thing; or a particular emotional or social atmosphere.
"The community kept its spirit alive through difficult years."
The noun is common in both figurative and religious contexts. The plural “spirits” also means alcoholic liquor.
To animate, enliven, or give spirit to; to inspire someone to act with confidence or enthusiasm.
"Her courage spirited the whole team into action."
This is a literary and somewhat archaic verb in modern English.
The plural is standard when referring to a group of beings or to alcoholic liquor; singular “spirit” is used for an individual mood, essence, or presence.
"The old house seemed to be inhabited by friendly spirits."
From the Latin spiritus, meaning “breath” or “wind,” “spirit” has long carried the idea of the invisible force that gives life its direction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spirit come from?
The English word comes through Old French from Latin spiritus, meaning “breath,” “wind,” or “breath of a human being.” In religious usage, the word developed to refer to an immaterial being or the animating principle of life. Its modern figurative senses—describing mood, character, and collective atmosphere—developed through English literary and religious usage, while the link with breath also connects it to words such as “respiration.”
Related word forms
How spirit is actually used
“Spirit” is highly versatile and is often figurative. In the sense of mood or attitude, it is common in British and US English. “Spirits” in the alcoholic sense is usually plural; “spirit” can also mean the characteristic essence of a community, tradition, or institution.
Easily confused with spirit
“Soul” often emphasizes a person’s inner essence or spiritual nature, whereas “spirit” more broadly refers to mood, attitude, life force, or atmosphere.