Literary notes about Sprightly (AI summary)
The word "sprightly" is used in literature to evoke a sense of vivacity, whether highlighting a character’s physical vigor or their buoyant, animated spirit. It often describes bodies and minds in peak condition, as seen when authors note a "sound and sprightly" form or a youthful, energetic disposition ([1], [2]). At the same time, it colors dialogue and narrative tone with cheerfulness and quick-witted charm, lending characters a brisk, humorous quality ([3], [4]). Beyond individual portraits, the term even animates descriptions of music and movement, suggesting a light, agile quality that infuses the work with zest and life ([5], [6]).
- Then examine if his body be sound and sprightly, active and disposed to perform its functions.
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - . 2.] Agility and address I never had, and yet am the son of a very active and sprightly father, who continued to be so to an extreme old age.
— from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne - My aunt said this in a sprightly way, and gave me a kiss to ratify the blessing.
— from David Copperfield by Charles Dickens - He threw me into the greatest confusion by laughing heartily and replying in a very sprightly manner, “No, to be sure; you're right.”
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - The hall resounded with the sprightly violin and the martial hautbois.
— from The History of John Bull by John Arbuthnot - Four sprightly coursers, with a deadly groan Pour forth their lives, and on the pyre are thrown.
— from The Iliad by Homer
