Vitality

/vaɪˈtælɪti/

nounB2

Definition

Vitality is the quality of being full of energy, strength, and life. It often describes how healthy and active a person or living thing feels. It can also mean the power that keeps something alive or working well.

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Physical and mental energy; liveliness

  • After the vacation, she returned to work with renewed vitality.
  • Children often have more vitality than adults.
  • Regular exercise can increase your vitality.

The power to continue living or working successfully

  • The vitality of a business depends on good management.
  • The vitality of the ecosystem is important for all animals and plants.
  • His vitality helped him recover quickly from illness.

Make It Stick

  • Think of 'vitality' like 'energy,' but bigger and more lasting—it’s not just a little energy, it’s the full power of life inside you.
  • Picture a bright, green tree full of leaves and growing strong—that tree has vitality.
  • It’s the feeling you have when you wake up after a good sleep and feel ready to do many things.
  • Sounds like 'vital tea' → imagine drinking a special tea that makes you feel very alive and strong.
  • Think of superheroes in movies who have endless power and never get tired—that’s vitality.
  • NOT like 'tired' (low energy), vitality means high energy and strength.
  • NOT like 'weak' or 'slow,' vitality means active and full of life.
  • NOT just 'energy' (which can be short), vitality is a long-lasting life force that keeps you going.

Try Other Words

  • Liveliness: the quality of being full of life and energy (Use when describing cheerful or active behavior)
  • Energy: the ability to do work or be active (Use for short-term power or activity)
  • Strength: physical or mental power (Use when focusing on power rather than life force)
  • Health: the state of being well and free from illness (Use when focusing on physical condition)

Unboxing

  • Word parts: "vita-" (life) + "-lity" (a suffix that makes a noun meaning a quality or state)
  • Etymology: From Latin "vitalitas," meaning "life, liveliness"
  • Historical development: Used since the 15th century to describe life force or energy in living beings
  • Modern usage: Used to talk about health, energy, and the power to live or work well in people, animals, and even organizations

Reflect & Connect

How does having vitality affect the way you live your daily life and face challenges?
Can something non-living, like a city or business, have vitality? What does that mean?

Fill in the blanks

1.After a good night's sleep, she felt full of vitality and ready to ___ new challenges.
2.The vitality of the plant depends on ___ sunlight and water.
3.Unlike tiredness, vitality shows that someone has ___ energy and strength.
4.When a person loses vitality, they may feel ___ and less interested in activities.
5.The city's vitality increased after many new businesses ___ there.
6.Vitality often ___ with good health and regular exercise.
7.Even during hard times, the team showed great vitality and ___ to win.