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

I listened keenly to their brave talk, but my attention was distracted by a lively table just a few quick steps away.

From Literature

Joel's parents said he was a happy and lively little boy but started to feel unwell in March last year.

From BBC

The tents that now serve as classrooms are noisy and a little chaotic but lively.

From BBC

Following their conversation, audience members participated in a lively game of Jane Austen trivia, during which it became clear that all in the room had done their homework.

From Los Angeles Times

Winkleman's chat show will "welcome the biggest names from the worlds of film, television, music and beyond to her sofa for lively conversation with the help of a studio audience", the BBC said.

From BBC

Related Words

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