lively

[ lahyv-lee ]

adjective

, live·li·er, live·li·est.

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, 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. look lively
   look lively interjection make haste

Derived Forms

• ˈliveliness, noun

Other Words From

• liveli·ly adverb
• liveli·ness noun
• over·liveli·ness noun
• over·lively adjective
• un·liveli·ness noun
• un·lively adjective adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lively¹

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

Example Sentences

Ford engineers tuned the AWD system to give the Mach-E a lively rear-drive feeling, and it shows both in good weather and bad.

From Popular-Science

It tells in lively fashion gripping tales of bravery, treachery and revenge.

From Washington Post

Despite the periodic narrative detours, the book moves at a lively pace.

From Washington Post

Silverman then leads a lively discussion about the ills of social media with Sacha Baron Cohen and journalist Sheera Frenkel.

From Washington Post

RSL driven by traces of underground moisture would make for a livelier Mars, but probably not a living Mars.

From Popular-Science

The band turned back around, raising a lively tune to signal life would go on.

From The Daily Beast

It was headquartered in Stanleyville, in a tall corner building that still stands in the decrepit, yet lively, downtown.

From The Daily Beast

She was a perky redhead of about 30 with lively blue eyes, a petite figure, and lots of nerve.

From The Daily Beast

Lively discussions, inspiring stories and Texas hospitality!

From The Daily Beast

Not everyone agrees with us, but it starts a lively conversation.

From The Daily Beast

The magazines sketch us a lively article, the newspapers vignette us, step by step, a royal tour.

From Project Gutenberg

True, she had taken a lively interest in all her brother's curates, but it was always a professional interest and purely Platonic.

From Project Gutenberg

Winifred, naturally a high-spirited and lively girl, soon recovered from the fright of that fateful Sunday evening.

From Project Gutenberg

He was fond of the pathetic, but the humorous moved him most, and his lively gifts were welcome wherever we went.

From Project Gutenberg

"My name is Slicko," answered the lively little girl squirrel, as she jumped about.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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