lively

American  

[lahyv-lee] / ˈlaɪv li /

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.

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adverb

1. with briskness, vigor, or animation; briskly.

   to step lively.

lively British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of lively

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

Example Sentences

His lively eyes, dark, curly hair, and mustache made him the face of Arctic exploration in America.

From Literature

And so continued the lively conversation that now included Boo.

From Literature

I was as pink as a sunburnt huckleberry, and as lively as a young squirrel in a corn crib.

From Literature

Standing on a lively street in El Tunco, lined with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops selling T-shirts -- some printed with Bukele's face -- Lopez was philosophical about rights abuses in El Salvador.

From Barron's

Despite her lively auction style, Fenet isn’t above shedding a tear when the auction — and the amount of money — moves her.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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