esprit

mind

noun es-PREE Common

Origin: From Latin spiritus (breath, spirit).

Also means

spirit

Usage Note

Esprit covers the intellectual mind, wit, and spirit. A person described as avoir de l'esprit is considered witty. L'esprit de corps (borrowed into English) means group solidarity. In philosophy and religion, l'esprit contrasts with le corps (the body), while in everyday speech perdre l'esprit means 'to lose one's mind.'

Examples

"Il a beaucoup d'esprit et d'humour."

Natural Translation

He has a lot of wit and humour.

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