Spitfire - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Definition:
A person, especially a woman, with a fierce temper or strong personality.
Synonyms:
firebrand, hothead, termagant, virago
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
pacifist, pushover
Common Collocations:
fiery spitfire, legendary spitfire, notorious spitfire
Derivatives:
spitfires (plural), spitfired (rare/archaic)
Usage Tips:
Use "spitfire" to describe someone with a quick temper or bold personality, often in admiration or exasperation.
Common Phrases:
old spitfire, little spitfire, fiery as a spitfire
Etymology:
Originates from combining "spit" (implying sharpness) and "fire" (suggesting intensity), first used in the 17th century.
Examples:
- 1. She’s a real spitfire when defending her friends.
- 2. The coach admired the team’s spitfire attitude during the game.
- 3. My grandmother was a spitfire who never backed down from an argument.
- 4. The novel’s heroine is a charming but unpredictable spitfire.