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

• livelily adverb
• liveliness noun
• 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 Capote, a lively raconteur in life and on the page, takes his time in setting the scene.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As the film goes on, he becomes more and more focused, growing alert and lively and taking charge of Arthur, who had earlier taken charge of him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Batting after captain Ben Stokes won the toss on a fine morning, the visitors stumbled to 105-4 at lunch with Joe Root out for a duck on a lively wicket.

Read more on Barron's

The store was on Rye Lane, a lively high street where Caribbean grocers stack yams next to beauty and phone repair shops.

Read more on BBC

People who had seen it -- and others keen to have their say -- took to social media for a lively discussion.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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