sprightly
UK: /ˈspraɪtli/ | US: /ˈspraɪtli/
adj. lively, energetic, and full of vigor
adj. (archaic) resembling or characteristic of a sprite; playful or mischievous
The word sprightly evolved from spright, an archaic variant of spirit, which originally referred to supernatural beings like elves or fairies. Over time, spright merged with the adjectival suffix -ly to describe someone as lively or energetic, akin to the playful nature of a sprite. The modern sense retains this vibrancy, though the supernatural connotation has faded.
The sprightly old man danced with surprising agility.
Her sprightly personality made her the life of the party.
The music had a sprightly rhythm that lifted everyone’s mood.
The kitten’s sprightly antics entertained the children for hours.
Despite his age, his step was as sprightly as a young boy’s.