enliven

[en-lahy-vuhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make vigorous or active; invigorate.

   The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.

   Synonyms: quicken, stimulate, vivify, inspirit, animate

2. to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten.

   Flowers enliven any room.

   Synonyms: gladden
   Antonyms: depress

enliven

/ ɪnˈlaɪvən /

verb

1. to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate

2. to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten

Other Word Forms

• enlivener noun
• enliveningly adverb
• enlivenment noun
• unenlivened adjective
• unenlivening adjective
• enlivening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of enliven¹

1625–35; obsolete enlive to give life to ( en- ¹ + life ) + -en ¹

Synonym Study

See cheer.

Example Sentences

A complex cider with enough of a tart kick to enliven any cocktail hour.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

And although they recall many wordless moments of repose between takes, the shoot enlivened the actors far more than it exhausted them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There’s also a petite variety in a 2-inch pot designed to enliven an office desk without taking up too much space.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The ride’s namesake song plays give and take with “Jingle Bells” and seasonal adornments adorably enliven the leisurely boat ride with even more cheer.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Herzog said he wanted to tackle the Breuer in part because he believes architects should look to revamp existing historic buildings and enliven what already exists instead of striving to only create from scratch.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• animate 
• brighten 
• buoy 
• entertain 
• galvanize 
• invigorate 
• jazz up 
• juice up 
• recreate 
• rejuvenate 
• spice 
• stimulate