liven

[ lahy-vuhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to put life into; rouse; enliven; cheer (often followed by up ):

   What can we do to liven up the party?

verb (used without object)

1. to become more lively; brighten (usually followed by up ):

   If this party doesn't liven up soon, let's leave.

liven

/ ˈlaɪvən /

verb

1. usually foll by up to make or become lively; enliven

Derived Forms

• ˈlivener, noun

Other Words From

• liven·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of liven¹

First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven

Example Sentences

Buying a can of paint for under $30 can easily liven up the look of your home.

From Washington Blade

Whether your family binges through it or savors each episode, maybe in tandem with a weekly cooking project, it’s sure to liven up your pre-vaccination existence with not just distraction but delight.

From Time

However, if you ski a ton, pure powder and pure frontside skis can really liven up your ski action.

From Outside Online

A game with multiplayer options, quick rounds, or teams can liven up an after-dinner activity.

From Popular-Science

Some tours are billed as fun ways to liven up a family online get-together.

From Washington Post

Sachin Tendulkar may be one of the most brilliant players in the sport, but he struggles to liven up his memoirs.

From The 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.

From The Daily Beast

The newly appointed CNN boss says the network must liven up its daily fare.

From The Daily Beast

He also used his acting and directorial skills to liven up dreary hearings.

From The Daily Beast

Will Oprah liven up C-SPAN's usually drab red-carpet pre-show?

From The Daily Beast

Casual anecdotes were sprinkled through his explanations to liven them.

From Project Gutenberg

All we needed was a beautiful young person like you to liven us up.

From Project Gutenberg

Sam, in his brother's absence, concluded to edit the paper in a way that would liven up the circulation.

From Project Gutenberg

Who would hab thought dat a little slap of the hat could liven him up so?

From Project Gutenberg

But she, Helen, would come home and that would liven up things a bit.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accelerate
• expedite
• hasten
• promote
• revitalize
• revive
• spur
• step up
• stimulate
• strengthen