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

• liveliness noun
• livelily adverb
• 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

Corsie said Thompson played as if she "was not feeling" any pressure against Paris and was "very lively".

Read more on BBC

But Mr. Abeysekera’s lively turn makes Hamlet’s death feel that much more piteous—a young man of limitless intellect and energies cut down before his life has properly begun.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cameroonian political scientist Stephane Akoa told AFP before the vote that the campaign had been "much livelier than usual" and the vote was "therefore more likely to throw up surprises".

Read more on Barron's

She tells me about how many times they’ve allowed musicians and artists to transform this peaceful outdoor space into a lively venue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

No studio, no humans at the microphone, not even a recording -- yet out comes a lively podcast, banter and all.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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