English Dictionary
Definition of “verve”
verve (vɜːv
)
Definitions
noun
- great vitality, enthusiasm, and liveliness; sparkle
- a rare word for talent
Word Origin
C17: from Old French: garrulity, from Latin verba words, chatter
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
enthusiasm,
energy,
spirit,
life,
force,
punch,
dash,
pep,
sparkle,
zip,
vitality,
animation,
vigour,
zeal,
gusto,
welly,
get-up-and-go,
élan,
brio,
vivacity,
liveliness,
vim,
Usage examples
She could read aloud with a good deal of dramatic verve , but she lacked inventiveness.
Ferrars, Elizabeth, Murder Moves In (1986)The story he tells of France from the Dark Ages to the present day is always told with verve and a sureness of touch.
Country Life (2004)Newcomers have always been, and remain, conspicuous among the creators of Toronto's strength, verve and cultural incandescence.
Globe and Mail (2003)Half time saw the sides level at 1-5 each, a few tweaks later and the game resumed with the same verve.
Times, Sunday Times (2002)It was a show with lots of good things, melody, rhythm, verve , talent, nostalgia... oh!
Williams Kenneth & Davies, Russell (ed.), The Kenneth Williams Diaries (1994)
