lively

[lahyv-lee]

adjective

livelier, liveliest 

1. full or suggestive of life or vital energy; active, vigorous, or brisk.

   a lively discussion.

   Synonyms: pert, quick, agile, nimble, spry, alert
   Antonyms: torpid, sluggish, indolent, inactive

2. animated, spirited, vivacious, or sprightly.

   a lively tune; a lively wit.

   Synonyms: buoyant, gay
   Antonyms: lifeless, dull

3. eventful, stirring, or exciting.

   The opposition gave us a lively time.

4. bustling with activity; astir.

   The marketplace was lively with vendors.

5. strong, keen, or distinct; vivid.

   a lively recollection.

   Synonyms: clear, forceful
   Antonyms: vague, vague, weak, weak, weak

6. striking, telling, or effective, as an expression or instance.

7. vivid or bright, as color or light.

   a lively pink.

   Synonyms: glowing, clear, brilliant
   Antonyms: dim

8. sparkling, as wines.

9. fresh or invigorating, as air.

   a lively breeze.

10. rebounding quickly; springing back; resilient.

    a lively tennis ball.

11. riding the sea buoyantly, as a ship.

adverb

1. with briskness, vigor, or animation; briskly.

   to step lively.

lively

/ ˈlaɪvlɪ /

adjective

1. full of life or vigour

2. vivacious or animated, esp when in company

3. busy; eventful

4. characterized by mental or emotional intensity; vivid

5. having a striking effect on the mind or senses

6. refreshing

   a lively breeze

7. springy or bouncy or encouraging springiness

   a lively ball

8. (of a boat or ship) readily responsive to the helm

adverb

1. in a brisk manner

   step lively

2. (interjection) make haste

Other Word Forms

• liveliness noun
• livelily adverb
• overliveliness noun
• overlively adjective
• unliveliness noun
• unlively adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lively¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English līflīc “vital”; life, -ly

Example Sentences

But within hours of applying a new dose he'd bought online, his usually lively tabby was violently ill, vomiting and refusing food or water.

From BBC

He was known for challenging left-wing orthodoxies in lively debates on college campuses and clung strongly to his Christian faith, arguing that there should be no division between church and state in America.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the lively atmosphere, this gathering might be one of the last.

From Los Angeles Times

Three boundaries came in his first over and his opening four-over spell cost 56 as he was thrashed to all parts by Markram, who made his lively pace look gentle with effortless, classical hitting.

From BBC

She tells me she is bringing a very different energy to this character as she's "lively, loud and very sneaky. She will manipulate anyone to get what she wants".

From BBC

Related Words

• animated 
• bright 
• buoyant 
• bustling 
• cheerful 
• enjoyable 
• entertaining 
• festive 
• frisky 
• nimble 
• peppy 
• provocative 
• refreshing 
• spirited 
• stimulating 
• vigorous