brisk

comparative brisker · comparative more brisk · superlative briskest · superlative most brisk

1. Full of liveliness and activity; characterized by quickness of motion or action.

   We took a brisk walk yesterday.

   2 more examples

   On such occasions he would remark-- "Shaving may add an air that's somewhat brisker, For dignity, commend me to the whisker."

   1918, Norman Lindsay, The Magic Pudding, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, page 10

   Ba, who has been linked with a January move to Arsenal, should have rewarded their brisk start with the opening goal in the 16th minute.

   2012 December 29, Paul Doyle, “Arsenal's Theo Walcott hits hat-trick in thrilling victory over Newcastle”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: lively, spirited, quick, round

2. Full of spirit of life; effervescing.
3. archaicSparkling; fizzy.

   brisk cider

4. Stimulating or invigorating.

   This morning was a brisk fall day. It wasn't cold enough for frost, but you wanted to keep moving.

   1 more example

   Why, if 'tis dancing you would be, / There's brisker pipes than poetry.

   1896, A. E. Housman, “Terence, this is stupid stuff”, in A Shropshire Lad

5. Abrupt, curt in one's manner or in relation to others.

   The service in that restaurant was brisk and impersonal.

   1 more example

   Her manner was brisk, and her good-breeding scarcely concealed her conviction that if you were not a soldier you might as well be a counter-jumper.

   1919, W[illiam] Somerset Maugham, “chapter 15”, in The Moon and Sixpence, [New York, N.Y.]: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers […], →OCLC

present singular third person brisks · participle present brisking · participle past brisked · past brisked

1. ambitransitiveoftenTo make or become lively; to enliven; to animate.

1. Brest, Belarus.

   Jacob Kopelman of Brisk, Lithuania, paraphrased in verse the Aramaic translations of the five scrolls.

   1929, Abraham Zevi Idelsohn, Jewish Music: Its Historical Development, page 438