spirit
Definitions
The non-physical part of a person — the soul, inner self, or life-force.
精神；灵魂；内在的自我。
A person's mood, energy, or attitude (often plural: in high/low spirits).
情绪；心境；活力（常用复数 in high/low spirits）。
The defining quality or character of something (the spirit of the law, team spirit).
（某事物的）本质、精髓、风气（the spirit of the law、团队精神）。
A supernatural being; a ghost.
幽灵；超自然的存在。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedspirit is the root spir (breathe) in noun form, from Latin spīritus 'breath.' Breath is the sign of a living body, so 'breath' became 'the breath of life,' then 'soul,' then the inner energy and essence we call spirit. The whole spir family grows out of this one idea: breath = life.
Root spir still carries 34 more wordsWhy It Means This
One word, many lives — all springing from 'breath.' Because breath separates the living from the dead, spīritus moved from physical breath to the invisible life inside us. That single image branched into your inner self (soul), your energy (high spirits), the essence of a thing (the spirit of the rules), a ghost, and even strong alcohol ('spirits,' the captured essence of a drink).
Common Collocations
- 1.team spirit团队精神
- 2.free spirit自由奔放的人
- 3.in high spirits情绪高涨
- 4.fighting spirit斗志
- 5.the spirit of the law法律的精神（精髓）
Example Sentences
- 1.
Her warm, generous spirit made everyone feel welcome.
- 2.
The team played with great spirit even when they were losing.
- 3.
The new manager changed the whole spirit of the office.
- 4.
Local legends say a spirit haunts the old house.