On this program , we talk about origins and usage of common expressions in American English . Today we explore the word “spirit .” Spirit is one of those words that has many different definitions . We will first talk about a simple definition with an interesting word origin . Language experts say this expression first appeared in Europe hundreds of years ago . Back then , people explained the effects of strong alcohol as the work of an evil spirit -- the devil . Speaking of evil spirits , there are more complicated definitions of the word “spirit ” that involve religion and the after-life . Spirit is part of a human that is not part of the physical body . Our spirit is connected to our thoughts and emotions . Meriam Webster's online dictionary defines it as “the force within a person that is believed to give the body life , energy , and power .” So , religious or spiritual people may believe that the spirit remains alive after death . In this way , “spirit ” is similar to the word “ghost .” However , in a non-religious way , the human “spirit ” is simply a non-physical energy in each person that makes us who we are . Again , Meriam Webster's online dictionary calls it the “inner quality or nature of a person .” So , even people who don't believe in life-after-death , can believe in this type of spirit . Besides in religious ceremonies , how do we use this type of spirit in conversation ? Well , if you can't physically be somewhere , you can still be there in spirit . Let's say you have been invited to a friend's birthday party , but are unable to go . You tell your friend , “I'm so sorry I'll miss the party . But I'll be there in spirit .” This means that while you cannot go , you will still be thinking of that person as they celebrate . Spirit can also mean your outlook on life . So , if you are happy about life , you can say you are in high spirits . And if you're not , you can say you are in low spirits . If you are in low spirits , it's important to do things to lift your spirit . For many people , listening to music , taking a long walk or hanging out with friends are great spirit-lifters ! Sometimes , though , we simply don't feel like doing something . So , we may use tricks to get into the spirit . If I must go to a social event but don't want to , I may play music while I'm getting ready to get into the spirit . Now , the expression if the spirit moves you is a bit tricky . We use it in a situation where I say I will do something when I want to do it -- not when others think I should . Basically , it's up to me . For example , let's say another person invites you to a birthday party (because you're a very popular person ). The host asks you to bring a story about her and share it with everyone if the spirit moves you . She means that you can share a story if you really want to but you don't have to . Maybe the spirit will never move you and you share nothing . Spirit can also mean a feeling of belonging to a group , like a sports team or a school . If a student is active at school and sets a good example for others , we say they show great school spirit . Another way to say this is with a French expression : esprit de corps . This means belonging to a group and having feelings of intense energy and loyalty for members of that group . ”Esprit de corps ” is a fancy way of saying team spirit . “Team spirit ” is much more common and you can use it in any situation , whether formal or informal , fancy or not fancy . “Spirit ” can also mean to do something with high energy levels . Here are two examples : "He performed the piano piece with spirit ." "She gave a spirited legal defense in the courtroom ." There are two very common “spirit ” expressions that describe people . Free spirits think and act freely . They do not follow the usual rules of society . Free spirits do their own thing . Free spirit or not , most people like being with kindred spirits . A kindred spirit is someone who understands and agrees with you on a very deep level . Kindred spirits share the same beliefs , dreams , goals and thoughts . Now let's hear some of these examples in a short story . Veronica is a talented musician . She is also a free spirit . She has never owned a credit card , a car or a house . And she doesn't have a steady job . She often travels around the world singing at festivals and teaching English on the side . To save money , Veronica lives in a group house with other artists . She really likes living with such kindred spirits . They all understand that each artist needs time alone and time to practice their art . However , artistic types can also be emotional – happy one minute , angry or sad the next . Veronica isn't like that . She is usually in high spirits . And when her housemates are in low spirits , she does something to lift their spirits . A guaranteed spirit-lifter is a party with good food , lively music and interesting conversation . If the spirit moves them , her housemates can join in the fun . And they always do ! Even the grumpiest housemate , Felton , gets into the spirit and has fun by the end of the night ! Sometimes he even plays the piano for people . That's the spirit , Felton ! On VOA's Learning English website , you can find many kindred spirits : other people who want to learn English .