French word

spirituel

Pronunciation

IPA/spiʁitɥɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectivewitty

Example

Elle a toujours des réponses spirituelles.

She always has witty answers.

Illustration for spirituel (witty)

More examples

Il a fait une remarque spirituelle qui a détendu l'atmosphère.

He made a witty remark that eased the atmosphere.

Core concept

An intangible spark appears in a person's response or manner, showing lively wit or a spiritual quality.

Common phrases

  • réponse spirituelle

    witty response

  • remarque spirituelle

    witty remark

  • humour spirituel

    witty humor

Similar words

drôle: Amusing or likely to make people laugh.
ironique: Expressing irony by saying the opposite of what is meant.
vif: Quick-witted and sharp in responding.
malin: Cleverly using cunning or resourcefulness to gain an advantage.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste de l'esprit et de la répartie dans une remarque ou un comportement, souvent utilisé pour souligner une finesse d'humour, et parfois employé pour ce qui relève du spirituel.

Word origin

French spirituel comes from Latin spiritualis, based on spiritus, meaning spirit or breath, and developed both spiritual and figurative senses linked with lively intelligence.

Usage tips

  • Spirituel can mean witty as well as spiritual, so English context determines whether it describes sharp repartee or a religious or inner quality.

Other meanings

  • spiritualadjective

Opposites

  • sérieuxseriousadjective
  • prosaïqueprosaicadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word