brisk

[brisk]

adjective

brisker, briskest 

1. quick and active; lively.

   brisk trading;

   a brisk walk.

   Synonyms: alert, energetic, spry
   Antonyms: languid

2. sharp and stimulating: brisk wind.

   brisk weather;

   brisk wind.

3. (of liquors) effervescing vigorously.

   brisk cider.

4. abrupt; curt.

   I was surprised by her rather brisk tone.

verb (used with or without object)

brisked, brisking 

1. to make or become brisk; liven (often followed byup ).

brisk

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   a brisk walk

   trade was brisk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

verb

1. (often foll by up) to enliven; make or become brisk

Other Word Forms

• briskly adverb
• briskness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of brisk¹

C16: probably variant of _brusque

Example Sentences

If your hatred for the show burns hotter than your oven’s broiler, there’s a brisk business in finding creative new ways to heap verbal compost on the titular host and all her endeavors.

From Salon

With them, he says he’ll be working on a song, like “The Field,” which opens with seagulls singing into a brisk air, rolling waves and then a soft guitar.

From Los Angeles Times

Schaffer’s “The Naked Gun,” then, is the ideal solution —a brisk, gut-bustingly funny film that updates the series’ central joke without sacrificing it.

From Salon

A brisk walk offers greater cardiovascular benefit than a slower pace even with the same total step count.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s minty and brisk, a drink that tastes like a reset.

From Salon

Related Words

• energetic 
• lively 
• quick 
• speedy 
• spry 
• vigorous