Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Spirited, plucky, or courageous: Describes someone who shows bravery, determination, and a lively, independent spirit, especially in the face of difficulty.
   • Feisty or full of energy: Describes someone who is lively, determined, and perhaps a bit aggressive or argumentative.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Despite being the smallest player on the team, she was incredibly spunky and never backed down from a challenge.
  • The spunky little dog barked bravely at the much larger intruder.
  • He gave a spunky reply to the critic, defending his work with passion.

Advanced Usage

• "to be spunky": to possess a spirited and courageous attitude.
  • You have to be spunky to start your own business in this economy.
• Used to describe behavior or actions that show defiance and energy.
  • She made a spunky decision to travel the world alone.

Variants and Related Words

• Spunk (n): Courage, spirit, or determination.
  • It took a lot of spunk to stand up to the bully.
• Spunkily (adv): In a spunky manner.
  • She answered the difficult questions spunkily.

Synonyms

• Plucky: Showing courage in the face of difficulties.
• Feisty: Lively, determined, and courageous, often implying a touch of aggression.
• Spirited: Full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination.
• Gutsy: Informal synonym meaning brave and determined.

Antonyms

• Timid: Showing a lack of courage or confidence.
• Cowardly: Lacking courage.
• Meek: Quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.

Idioms and Phrases

• Full of spunk: An idiom meaning full of courage, energy, and determination.
  • The new recruit is full of spunk and new ideas.
• A spunky attitude: A common collocation describing a courageous and lively approach.
  • Her spunky attitude helped her overcome many obstacles.

Adjective

1. willing to face danger
2. showing courage
   • the champion is faced with a feisty challenger