Brisk means quick and energetic, with a feeling of freshness or sharpness. A brisk walk isn't a leisurely stroll; you're moving with purpose, your arms swinging, covering ground efficiently. When a store does brisk business, customers are streaming in and out, keeping everyone busy.

The word often describes cold, refreshing air: a brisk morning has that crisp, wake-you-up quality that makes you pull your jacket tighter. There's something invigorating about briskness, whether it's brisk autumn weather or a coach's brisk instructions during practice.

You can also speak or act in a brisk way. A brisk tone is efficient and no-nonsense, like a teacher who says, “Let's get started,” without wasting time on chatter. While brisk isn't unfriendly, it's definitely businesslike, focused on getting things done rather than lingering.

The opposite of brisk would be slow, lazy, or sluggish. When you tackle homework in a brisk manner, you work steadily and efficiently, finishing in good time instead of dawdling or daydreaming.