perky
/'pə:ki/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Cheerful and lively; full of energy and enthusiasm: Describes a person, manner, or thing that is bright, spirited, and often pleasantly confident.
- Jaunty and self-confident in a lively way: Suggests a buoyant, upbeat attitude that is often outwardly expressed.
Usage Examples
- Describing a person's demeanor:
- She gave a perky wave from across the street.
- Despite the early hour, the tour guide was remarkably perky.
- Describing an attitude or appearance:
- He answered the difficult questions with perky optimism.
- The model wore her hat at a perky angle.
Advanced Usage
- "Perky" can sometimes imply a level of assertiveness or sprightliness that borders on being overly bright or intrusive, depending on context.
- Her perky sales pitch was effective but a bit overwhelming for some customers.
Variants and Related Words
- Perkily (adverb): In a lively and cheerful manner.
- She smiled perkily at the camera.
- Perkiness (noun): The quality of being cheerful and lively.
- The team's perkiness was contagious.
Synonyms
- Bubbly: Full of cheerful high spirits.
- Jaunty: Having a lively, cheerful, and self-confident manner.
- Vivacious: Attractively lively and animated.
- Sprightly: Full of energy and lively in a pleasing way.
Antonyms
- Lethargic: Sluggish and apathetic.
- Gloomy: Dark or poorly lit; feeling distressed or pessimistic.
- Listless: Lacking energy or enthusiasm.
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "Perky as a puppy": An informal simile emphasizing extreme liveliness and eagerness.
- After her coffee, she was as perky as a puppy.
Adjective
- characterized by liveliness and lightheartedness
- buoyant spirits
- his quick wit and chirpy humor
- looking bright and well and chirpy
- a perky little widow in her 70s