What does vim mean?
Vim is an informal word for vigorous energy, vitality, or forcefulness. In its standard noun use, it describes the lively power with which a person acts, speaks, or approaches a task: someone can begin an effort “with vim,” appear “full of vim,” or lend “vim and vigour” to an undertaking. The expression “vim and vigour” is established and somewhat traditional. Vim can also be used as a rare informal verb, meaning to enliven or give energy to: “The coach vimmed the team before the match.” This usage is much less common than the noun, and writers seeking a neutral term will often prefer energy, vitality, vigour, or vigor. Because vim is concise and slightly emphatic, it often appears in descriptions of performance, movement, or determined action.
Vigorous energy, vitality, or forcefulness.
"He approached every challenge with energy and vim."
Informal and less common than energy, vitality, vigour, or vigor.
To enliven, energize, or give vim to.
"The captain’s speech vimmed the team before the final."
Rare and chiefly informal.
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely used because the singular noun is overwhelmingly more common.
"The two teams entered the final with noticeably different vims."
Vim comes from the Latin word for strength and has become a compact, distinctly English noun for sheer energy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vim
Vim entered English from French vim, which was borrowed from the Latin vim, the accusative of vis, meaning “strength” or “force.” The English word became established in the 19th century. Cognates such as vigor, vigorous, violence, and violent ultimately reflect the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How vim is actually used
The noun is informal but broadly understood in British and American English. It is less frequent than energy, vitality, vigour, or vigor and often has an emphatic, slightly old-fashioned tone. The verb is much rarer and distinctly informal.
Easily confused with vim
Vim refers to energy or vitality, whereas a vibe is an atmosphere, feeling, or distinctive impression associated with a place, person, or event.