What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nimble
Example
The gymnast was nimble on the balance beam. [nimble: adjective]
Example
She nimble-fingeredly picked up the small object. [nimble-fingered: adjective]
spry
Example
Despite being in his seventies, he was still spry and active. [spry: adjective]
Example
The cat was spry as it jumped from one branch to another. [spry: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nimble is more commonly used than spry in everyday language. Nimble is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while spry is less common and mainly used to describe older people who are still active and energetic.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nimble and spry?
Nimble is more formal than spry. While nimble can be used in both formal and informal contexts, spry has a more informal and colloquial tone.
