liven

[ lahy-vuh n ]

/ ˈlaɪ vən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR liven ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to put life into; rouse; enliven; cheer (often followed by up): What can we do to liven up the party?

verb (used without object)

to become more lively; brighten (usually followed by up): If this party doesn't liven up soon, let's leave.

Nearby words

Origin of liven

First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven

Related formsliv·en·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for liven

Sachin Tendulkar may be one of the most brilliant players in the sport, but he struggles to liven up his memoirs.
The Story of the World’s Greatest Cricket Player|William O’Connor|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I suppose you can if you were dumb and delusional enough to think that the Emmy voters might liven things up a little bit.
The Biggest Emmys Snubs and Surprises: 'Modern Family,' McConaughey, and More|Kevin Fallon|August 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The newly appointed CNN boss says the network must liven up its daily fare.
CNN Needs ‘More Passion,’ Says New Boss Jeff Zucker|Howard Kurtz|November 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He also used his acting and directorial skills to liven up dreary hearings.
Today's King's Speech Guru|Sandra McElwaine|February 26, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Will Oprah liven up C-SPAN's usually drab red-carpet pre-show?
Five Ways Obama Has Already Changed Washington|Ana Marie Cox|November 26, 2008|DAILY BEAST
These 'ere roses will 'elp to liven things up a bit when yer gets in the 'ospital.
Through St. Dunstan's to Light|James H. Rawlinson
"We shall look to you to liven things up," he said, poor man!
Tono Bungay|H. G. Wells
Come, give us an answer, or I'll 'liven you up with something heavier than my hand.
Shadow, the Mysterious Detective|Police Captain Howard
But one would think, as well as you love books, those fine ones would 'liven you up.
Ishmael|Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth
No, but that helps to liven up things, of course—buying stuff and mailing letters.
The Young Bridge-Tender|Arthur M. Winfield

British Dictionary definitions for liven

liven

/ (ˈlaɪvən) /

verb

(usually foll by up) to make or become lively; enliven

Derived Formslivener, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for liven

liven

1884, colloquial shortening of 17c. enliven, usually with up. Related: Livened; livening.

liven

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

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Nearby words

Origin of liven

Examples from the Web for liven

liven

verb

liven