vivacious
Americanadjective
adjective
-
full of high spirits and animation; lively or vital
-
obsolete having or displaying tenacity of life
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of vivacious
First recorded in 1635–45; vivaci(ty) + -ous
Explanation
A vivacious person is lively and spirited: a vivacious dancer might do a back-flip off the wall and then jump into the arms of her partner. Some people are just naturally fun to be around; they sparkle, they animate any group they're part of, they're full of life. That, in fact, is the root meaning of the word: it's from Latin vivere "to live." It has more of a sense of playfulness than lively or animated. Even the most sedentary slob can feel revitalized in the presence of a vivacious soul.
Vocabulary lists containing vivacious
Animal Farm
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Vivacious, with a decent command of Spanish, she comfortably navigates her neighborhood.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2019
Vivacious and outdoorsy, Mrs. Blackwell was known for her bright smile and casual allure.
From Washington Post • Aug. 11, 2017
Vivacious and engaging, Clarkson, who with her husband Bobby is mother to Makayla, 11, has a natural likability that translates well into any language.
From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2014
Vivacious personalities, spray tans, blown-out hair … and that’s just the men.
From Slate • Apr. 4, 2013
Vivacious Dorothy had not only now become Mrs. John Hancock, but she was also called Madam Hancock!
From Ten American Girls From History by Sweetser, Kate Dickinson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
