spirit
spirit — 動詞
1. to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick
祕密帶走
秘密地將人或物帶離某處
to take a person or thing from one place to another in a secret and often quick way, so that others do not notice what has happened
Sade spirited the documents out of the office while the guard was on a break.
Sade 趁警衛休息時，將文件祕密帶出了辦公室。
spirit + noun + out of [place]
During the escape, the hostages were spirited across the border in a delivery truck.
逃亡過程中，人質被用貨車祕密送過了邊境。
passive: be spirited across [border]
The organizers spirited the injured musician off the stage before the audience noticed.
主辦單位在觀眾注意到之前，將受傷的音樂家悄悄帶離了舞台。
A small team of workers spirited the ancient statues away from the temple at midnight.
一小組工人在午夜時分，將那些古老雕像偷偷從寺廟運走。
Ezra spirited the stolen phone out of the workshop while the guards were checking the gate.
Ezra 趁守衛檢查大門時，將那支被偷的手機偷偷帶出了維修間。
文法句型
spirit + noun phrase + adverb/preposition (away, off, out, across, from)
be spirited + adverb/preposition (passive)
用法筆記
Almost always used with a directional adverb or prepositional phrase (away, off, out, across, from) that indicates where the person or thing is taken to or from. The passive form (be spirited away/off/out) is especially common in narrative writing.
常見錯誤
spirit — 名詞
1. the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are con
風氣；精神
特定群體或時代共有的態度與情感
the attitudes and feelings that people share within a community, or that are connected with a particular time, place, or activity
The team spirit at the local sports club brought neighbors of all ages together.
當地體育俱樂部的團隊精神，把各年齡層的鄰居都凝聚在一起。
collocation: team spirit
Minho admired the independent spirit of the small bookshop owners in his neighborhood.
Minho 很欣賞他住家附近那些小書店老闆的獨立精神。
Parkdale School encouraged a spirit of cooperation by pairing older students with younger reading buddies.
Parkdale 學校藉由讓高年級學生與低年級學伴一起閱讀，培養合作精神。
A spirit of generosity filled the community hall during the winter food drive.
社區活動中心在冬季食物募捐期間充滿了慷慨的氣氛。
Élise could sense the competitive spirit when her pottery classmates kept peeking at each other's work.
Élise 在陶藝課上感受到同學之間的競爭氣氛，大家一直偷看彼此的作品。
- ethos
more formal, used for the guiding beliefs of a culture or institution
- atmosphere
focuses on the mood or feeling in a place, not the shared goals
文法句型
spirit + of + noun
possessive + spirit
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' and a noun describing the quality or purpose (e.g. spirit of cooperation, spirit of adventure). Singular only in this sense.
常見錯誤
2. a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happin
心情；情緒
當下的感受狀態
a person's current emotional state, especially their level of confidence, happiness, or energy — typically expressed in fixed phrases such as 'in high spirits' or 'spirits sank'
The team's spirits sank when they saw the rain pouring down on match day.
球隊看到比賽當天下起大雨時，士氣頓時低落了下來。
pattern: spirits sank / spirits rose / spirits lifted
The team's spirits were low after they lost the final match by a single point.
那支隊伍以一分之差輸掉冠軍賽後，士氣十分低落。
pattern: spirits were low
Hot tea and a warm blanket lifted Quinn's spirits on the rainy afternoon.
熱茶和一條溫暖的毯子，讓 Quinn 在陰雨的午後心情好轉。
The children's cheerful laughter raised everyone's spirits during the long car trip.
孩子們歡樂的笑聲讓漫長的車程中大家都振奮了起來。
Christopher tried hard to keep his spirits up despite the difficult exam results.
儘管考試成績不理想，Christopher 仍努力保持心情愉快。
文法句型
in good/high/low spirits
raise/lift someone's spirits
spirits are high/low
用法筆記
Almost always plural ('spirits') in this sense. Common in fixed phrases like 'in good/low spirits,' 'lift/raise spirits,' and 'spirits rise/sink.' The singular 'spirit' is extremely rare in this meaning.
常見錯誤
3. a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tirednes
好心情；興致
愉快又充滿活力的狀態
a noticeably happy and cheerful state, often after a period of sadness, tiredness, or worry; most commonly used in the phrase 'in good spirits' or 'in high spirits'
Despite the early morning flight, the travelers were in surprisingly good spirits.
儘管是一大早的航班，這些旅客的心情卻出奇地好。
phrase: in good spirits
Manuela arrived in high spirits, carrying a box of pastries for everyone to share.
Manuela 抵達時興致高昂，手上還帶著一盒糕點要請大家吃。
phrase: in high spirits
The children were in excellent spirits after spending the whole afternoon at the beach.
孩子們在海灘玩了一整個下午後，心情好極了。
Grandpa's good spirits lasted all evening as he told jokes around the campfire after the hike.
爺爺的好心情持續了整個晚上，他在遠足結束後圍著營火講笑話。
After a tough week at work, Mei was in surprisingly good spirits when she joined us for dinner.
在忙碌的一週工作之後，Mei 來和我們吃晚餐時心情竟然出奇地好。
- cheerful
an adjective describing a person's mood, not a noun like 'spirits'
- in a good mood
a common alternative phrase that is less specific to the 'lifted from low' context
- in low spirits
the opposite: feeling sad or discouraged
文法句型
in good/high spirits
in excellent spirits
be in spirits
用法筆記
Distinguish from MOOD (sense 2): MOOD covers any emotional state (good or bad), while GOOD SPIRITS specifically describes a cheerful and energetic state. 'In good spirits' is a fixed phrase that cannot be changed to 'in happy spirits' or 'in nice spirits.'
常見錯誤
4. the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, consi
本意
法律或規定的原始目的而非字面
the real purpose or intention behind a law, rule, agreement, or tradition, considered apart from the exact words that describe it
The judge argued that the company had violated the spirit of the environmental law.
法官認為該公司違反了環境保護法的精神。
phrase: spirit of the law
Although the contract was technically correct, it went against the spirit of the original agreement.
那份合約在技術上雖然沒有問題，但卻違背了原本協議的精神。
contrast with letter of the law
Kian believed the spirit of the library's noise rule mattered more than its exact wording.
Kian 認為圖書館噪音規定的精神，比字面上的措辭更重要。
The housing policy was written in a spirit of fairness, even though some details needed adjustment.
這項住房政策是基於公平的精神制定的，儘管有些細節需要調整。
Critics said the proposal failed to capture the spirit of the founding document.
批評者認為該提案未能掌握建國文件的本意。
- letter (of the law)
the exact literal wording, as opposed to the intended meaning
文法句型
the spirit of the law/agreement/rule
spirit + of + noun
用法筆記
Often contrasted with 'the letter of the law' (the exact wording). Common in legal, political, and business contexts. The singular 'spirit' is always used in this sense.
常見錯誤
5. the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a s
節慶氣氛
節日或活動中展現的歡樂與熱忱
the lively enthusiasm, joy, and sense of celebration that people feel during a special occasion, holiday, or event
The whole street was decorated with lights and filled with Christmas spirit.
整條街都掛滿了燈飾，充滿了聖誕節的氣氛。
collocation: Christmas spirit
Eshe bought gifts and baked cookies to get into the holiday spirit early.
Eshe 買了禮物並烤了餅乾，讓自己提早進入過節的心情。
phrase: get into the [occasion] spirit
The whole town joined the cherry blossom parade with a true spirit of celebration and community pride.
整個小鎮都以真正的歡慶精神與社區自豪感參加了櫻花遊行。
The team threw a party full of carnival spirit, with games and music for all.
團隊舉辦了一場充滿嘉年華氣氛的派對，遊戲和音樂一應俱全。
Despite the rain, the wedding guests danced all night with great party spirit.
儘管下著雨，婚禮賓客們仍以高昂的派對精神跳舞到深夜。
- festive mood
similar but broader; can describe any holiday atmosphere, not just personal enthusiasm
文法句型
the [occasion] spirit
spirit of [celebration]
用法筆記
Typically used with a preceding noun that names the occasion (Christmas spirit, party spirit, festival spirit). Singular only. 'Get into the spirit' is a common phrasal expression meaning to start participating with enthusiasm.
常見錯誤
6. an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, s
好樣的
鼓勵他人保持積極態度
an approving expression used to encourage someone to keep a positive attitude, show determination, or try harder
"I can finish the race if I keep going." "That's the spirit!" her coach replied.
「只要繼續跑，我一定可以完成比賽。」「好樣的！」教練回答。
fixed expression: That's the spirit!
Eli promised to study harder next term, and his father smiled. "That's the spirit!"
Eli 承諾下學期要更用功，他父親微笑著說：「好樣的！」
"We can fix this problem together," the team leader said. "That's the spirit!" everyone shouted.
「我們一起解決這個問題！」團隊領袖說。「好樣的！」大家齊聲喊道。
"I'll practice every day," the violinist said. "That's the spirit!" her teacher answered.
「我會每天練習。」小 violinist 說。「好樣的！」老師回答。
- good for you
a more general expression of approval, not specifically for determination
- way to go
informal, used to praise an achievement rather than encourage an attitude
文法句型
That's the spirit!
用法筆記
Only used as a standalone exclamation ('That's the spirit!') in response to someone's remark or action. Cannot be used in other grammatical structures ('I have spirit' does not carry this meaning).
常見錯誤
7. the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and pers
精神；心靈
人非物質的本質
the invisible aspect of a human being that includes thoughts, emotions, and personality, and that is often thought to survive the death of the physical body
Apinya believes the human spirit lives on even after the body stops working.
Apinya 相信人的精神在肉體停止運作後仍然存在。
uncountable: the human spirit / the spirit lives on
The meditation retreat helped Liam connect with his inner spirit and find peace.
那次靜修課程幫助 Liam 連結內在的心靈，找到平靜。
collocation: inner spirit
In many traditional ceremonies, people call upon the spirit of their ancestors for guidance.
在許多傳統儀式中，人們召喚祖先的靈魂以尋求指引。
During the weekend retreat, Yan felt a wave of calm rising from her spirit, not just her body.
在週末靜修期間，Yan 感到一股平靜從她的心靈升起，而不只是身體的放鬆。
The doctor could heal the body, but the priest tended to the wounded spirit.
醫生可以治癒身體，但心靈的創傷由神職人員來照料。
用法筆記
Often contrasted with 'body' or 'flesh' in religious and philosophical contexts. Frequently uncountable — do not say 'a spirit' when referring to the non-physical essence of a living person.
常見錯誤
8. the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a
鬼魂；幽靈
死者顯現的形象
the visible shape or sensed presence of someone who has died, commonly called a ghost
The old castle is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young bride.
據說那座古老城堡裡住著一位年輕新娘的鬼魂。
countable: spirit of [person] / haunted by a spirit
Selim told the children that no spirits lived in their new house, only dust and creaking stairs.
Selim 告訴孩子們他們的新房子裡沒有鬼，只有灰塵和吱吱作響的樓梯。
plural: spirits
Reema felt a cold presence in the room and wondered if it was a spirit passing through.
Reema 感覺到房裡有一股冰冷的氣息，心想是不是有幽靈經過。
A local legend says the spirits of lost sailors appear on the cliff every full moon.
當地傳說指出，每逢滿月，溺水水手的鬼魂就會出現在懸崖上。
Tendai refuses to watch horror movies because the angry spirits scare her too much.
Tendai 不敢看恐怖片，因為那些憤怒的鬼魂把她嚇壞了。
- ghost
More common in everyday English; 'spirit' can sound more respectful or less frightening.
- phantom
More literary and dramatic; suggests a vague, unreal shape.
- apparition
Formal; emphasises the visual appearance of a supernatural being.
用法筆記
Countable — 'a spirit' / 'spirits'. Distinguish from sense 7 (NOT BODY, uncountable): that sense refers to the living person's non-physical essence, whereas this sense refers to a supernatural entity, usually of someone deceased.
常見錯誤
9. a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face ch
熱忱；活力
個人的鬥志與幹勁
a strong feeling of energy, determination, and eagerness to do things or face challenges
Lotte played the final match with great spirit even though her team was losing.
Lotte 即使球隊落後，依然以高昂的鬥志打完最後一場比賽。
collocation: with great spirit / with spirit
The team showed real fighting spirit by coming back from three goals down.
那支隊伍在落後三球的情況下逆轉，展現了真正的拼搏精神。
collocation: fighting / competitive spirit
Greta admired the community spirit of her neighbours, who helped rebuild the playground together.
Greta 很欣賞鄰居們的社區精神，大家一起協助重建遊樂場。
After working twelve hours on the factory line, Ryan had no spirit left to argue with his supervisor.
在生產線上工作了十二個小時之後，Ryan 已經沒有力氣再跟主管爭論了。
The lantern parade filled the old streets with colour, music, and the joyful spirit of neighbours celebrating together.
燈籠遊行讓老街充滿了色彩、音樂，以及鄰居們一起慶祝的歡樂氣氛。
- enthusiasm
Direct synonym, though 'spirit' adds a sense of inner drive rather than just liking something.
- energy
Focuses on the active, lively aspect; less about determination.
- determination
Emphasises perseverance and resolve; overlaps with 'fighting spirit'.
- morale
Used for groups (team morale); 'spirit' works for both individuals and groups.
- apathy
Lack of interest or enthusiasm.
- discouragement
Loss of confidence or willingness to continue.
用法筆記
Frequently modified by an adjective describing the type of enthusiasm ('team spirit', 'pioneering spirit', 'independent spirit'). Cannot be made countable — do not write 'a good spirit' in this sense.
常見錯誤
10. any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, prod
烈酒
蒸餾製成的烈性酒
any of several drinks with a high alcohol content, such as whisky or vodka, produced by distillation rather than by ordinary fermentation
Ilan ordered a glass of water instead of spirits because he was driving home.
Ilan 因為要開車回家，只點了杯水，沒有點烈酒。
plural: spirits — general category of strong drinks
The bar serves wine, beer, and a wide selection of spirits from around the world.
這家酒吧供應葡萄酒、啤酒，以及來自世界各地的多種烈酒。
countable as category: a selection of spirits
Madison keeps a bottle of expensive spirit for special occasions but rarely drinks alone.
Madison 珍藏一瓶昂貴的烈酒等特殊場合才喝，平時很少獨自飲用。
In Taiwan you must be at least eighteen to buy spirits at a convenience store.
在台灣，你必須年滿十八歲才能在便利商店購買烈酒。
The party guests drank beer all evening, but nobody touched the bottle of whisky on the table.
派對上的客人整晚都在喝啤酒，沒人碰桌上那瓶威士忌。
- liquor
More common in American English; 'spirits' is more frequent in British English.
- hard alcohol
Informal; contrasts with beer and wine.
用法筆記
Often used in the plural 'spirits' to mean strong alcoholic drinks collectively. As a countable noun, 'a spirit' refers to a specific type or brand. This sense is more common in British English; American English often prefers 'liquor'.
常見錯誤
11. a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cle
酒精溶液
工業或醫療用酒精
a strong alcohol-based liquid used for industrial or household tasks such as cleaning, dissolving paint, or medical disinfection
The artist cleaned her brushes with methylated spirit before switching to a new colour.
那位藝術家在換新顏色之前，先用甲基化酒精清洗畫筆。
technical use: methylated spirit / surgical spirit
Reema wiped the cut with spirit before putting on a bandage.
Reema 在貼上繃帶之前，先用酒精擦拭傷口。
medical use: wiping with spirit
That stain will not come out with soap — you need a stronger spirit to dissolve the grease.
那個污漬用肥皂洗不掉——你需要更強的溶劑來溶解油垢。
The factory stores barrels of industrial spirit for cleaning machine parts overnight.
工廠裡儲存了幾桶工業酒精，用來夜間清潔機器零件。
Selim spilled a bit of spirit on the workbench, and the strong smell filled the whole garage.
Selim 在工作檯上潑灑了一些酒精，濃烈的氣味充滿了整個車庫。
- solvent
Broader category; includes non-alcohol-based liquids used for dissolving.
- rubbing alcohol
American English term for medical spirit.
- methylated spirits
Specific type; ethanol with additives to make it undrinkable.
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable and refers to the base liquid, not to a branded product. Distinguish from sense 10: sense 11 is NOT for drinking and is usually modified by a purpose or type ('methylated spirit', 'white spirit', 'industrial spirit'). In American English, 'rubbing alcohol' is more common for the medical variety.
常見錯誤
12. a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example,
某種人
具有某種性格或態度的人
a person with a particular quality, attitude, or way of behaving — for example, a kind spirit, a free spirit, or a brave spirit
Lara is a free spirit who travels to a new country every year without a plan.
Lara 是個自由灑脫的人，每年沒有計劃就跑到一個新的國家旅行。
collocation: free spirit — someone independent, unconventional
Grandpa was a generous spirit who gave half his pension to local charities each month.
爺爺是個慷慨的人，每月將一半退休金捐給當地的慈善機構。
adjective + spirit: generous / kind / noble spirit
Everyone in the village mourned Mrs. Chen, who had been such a kind spirit to the neighbourhood children.
村子裡每個人都懷念陳奶奶，她一直像個慈祥的長者對待鄰居孩子們。
Apinya admired her uncle as a kindred spirit because they both loved old jazz records.
Apinya 覺得叔叔和自己是志趣相投的人，因為他們都熱愛老爵士唱片。
A competitive spirit like Tendai hates losing even a friendly game of cards.
像 Tendai 這樣好勝的人，連打牌輸掉都無法忍受。
用法筆記
Always preceded by an adjective or similar modifier that describes the person's character. Cannot stand alone — you would not say 'He is a spirit' without an adjective. The modifier tells the reader which kind of person is meant.