Spirited means full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination. A spirited horse runs with fire and eagerness, throwing itself wholeheartedly into the gallop. A spirited student speaks up confidently in class discussions, bringing life and interest to the conversation.

When someone shows spirit, they're fully engaged, passionate, and often a bit bold, holding nothing back. A spirited debate means people are arguing their points with real conviction, their voices rising with genuine feeling. A spirited performance by an athlete or musician crackles with energy that makes people sit up and pay attention.

The word carries a sense of liveliness mixed with courage. A spirited defense of a friend means standing up for them strongly, speaking out with force and loyalty. A spirited attempt at something difficult shows you're giving it your all, even if you might fail.

People sometimes describe children as spirited when they're energetic, strong-willed, and maybe a bit challenging to manage. It's different from wild or out of control: spirited suggests that energy is directed somewhere, that there's real determination and personality behind it. When you approach something with spirit, you're bringing your whole self to it.