Reading Theme:
Spirit Meaning: Soul, Ghost & Enthusiasm (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：soul (spirit)
spirit
/ˈspɪrɪt/
n.
The part of a person that includes their feelings, thoughts, character, and life force, which is not their physical body.
soul
➕
/soʊl/
n.
The non-physical part of a person that includes emotions, thoughts, character, and life force.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'spiritus' meaning breath, soul; related to 'spirare' (to breathe).
💡 Mnemonic
Spirit = 'spir' (spiral) + 'it' — your inner spiral of energy and life.
📖 Example
Her indomitable spirit and positive attitude helped her recover quickly from the setback.
Her indomitable spirit and positive attitude helped her recover quickly from the setback.
🔗 Collocations
indomitable spirit – A spirit that cannot be defeated or broken
human spirit – The essential nature of humans, encompassing emotions and will
spirit of adventure – A willingness to take risks and explore new things
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spiritual (adj.) – Relating to the human spirit or soul
spirituality (n.) – The quality of being concerned with the human spirit
spirited (adj.) – Full of energy, courage, or determination
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'spiritus' (breath), linked to life force. In medieval times, 'spirit' also referred to supernatural beings. Modern usage includes enthusiasm and courage, as in 'team spirit'.
Meaning 2：ghost (spirit)
spirit
/ˈspɪrɪt/
n.
A supernatural being without a physical form, such as a ghost, fairy, or the soul believed to exist within natural things.
ghost
➕
/ɡoʊst/
n.
A supernatural being without a physical body, often believed to inhabit places or natural elements.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The ancient tree in the village was said to be home to a protective forest spirit.
The ancient tree in the village was said to be home to a protective forest spirit.
🔗 Collocations
forest spirit – A supernatural being that lives in and protects a forest
evil spirit – A malevolent supernatural entity
spirit world – The realm where spirits and souls are believed to exist
🔄 Synonyms
apparition (n.) – A ghost or ghostly figure
phantom (n.) – Something that appears to be real but is not; a ghost
specter (n.) – A visible spirit, especially one that is frightening
🚫 Antonyms
human (n.) – A living person, as opposed to a spirit
Meaning 3：enthusiasm (spirit)
spirit
/ˈspɪrɪt/
n.
Lively energy, enthusiasm, or courage that someone shows when they are doing something.
enthusiasm
➕
/ɪnˈθuːziæzəm/
n.
Lively energy, eagerness, and determination shown in doing something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She played the final match with incredible fighting spirit, even though she was tired.
She played the final match with incredible fighting spirit, even though she was tired.
🔗 Collocations
team spirit – A feeling of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm among group members
fighting spirit – Determination and courage to keep fighting despite difficulties
spirit of competition – The enthusiastic desire to compete and win
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
spirited (adj.) – Full of energy, enthusiasm, or courage
spiritless (adj.) – Lacking energy, enthusiasm, or courage
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