noun
esprit
Liveliness and wit in thought or expression.
Her conversation sparkled with esprit.
Etymology
The Latin source connects breath with spirit. French esprit developed the sense of lively intelligence, which English uses for wit and animation in expression.
More examples
- The essay combines learning with esprit.
- He admired the performance’s lightness and esprit.
- The gathering benefited from her wit and esprit.
Forms
esprit