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

• livelily adverb
• liveliness noun
• 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

Breeds with low levels were most often labeled "friendly," followed by "eager to please," "easy to train," "courageous," "lively," and "affectionate."

Read more on Science Daily

Ms. Collinsworth, a former publisher and magazine editor, gives readers a close-up view of an ambitious freethinker and a lively picture of the milieu in which she operated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Following a lively performance, Bones was declared the winner and secured the £25,000 cash prize.

Read more on BBC

Black Friday—the nickname for the day after Thanksgiving—may be an unofficial holiday, but it has earned the reputation of being one of the liveliest shopping days of the year.

Read more on Barron's

Now, she added, “I have something different to project onto it — something more lively and happy.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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