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briskness

 - 3 dictionary results

brisk

  [brisk] adjective, -er, -est, verb
Use briskness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. quick and active; lively: brisk trading; a brisk walk.
2. sharp and stimulating: 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 object), verb (used without object)
5. to make or become brisk; liven (often fol. by up).
Origin:
1580–90; of uncert. orig.

Related forms:
briskly, adverb
briskness, noun

Synonyms:
1. spry, energetic, alert.

Antonyms:
1. languid.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To briskness
brisk   (brĭsk)   
adj.   brisk·er, brisk·est

  1. Marked by speed, liveliness, and vigor; energetic: had a brisk walk in the park.

  2. Keen or sharp in speech or manner: a brisk greeting.

  3. Stimulating and invigorating: a brisk wind.

  4. Pleasantly zestful: a brisk tea.


[Probably of Scandinavian origin.]
brisk'ly adv., brisk'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

brisk 
1560, as Scot. bruisk, probably an alteration of Fr. brusque (q.v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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