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

Throughout the city, once lively streets have been left frozen, with many businesses forced to shut down temporarily — with some fearing they may have to shutter for good.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They had a market, a gas station, and several churches with lively congregations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The restaurant has a lively energy, with giant shutters that create an indoor-outdoor vibe and a patio perfect for warm evenings.

Read more on Salon

These people might look like they’re conversing, having lively battles of collegiate wit, stereotypical of an Ivy League institution.

Read more on Salon

But she said her son, who can be lively and full of fun, has always made progress in environments that are "structured, age-appropriate, and where he is surrounded by peers".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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