This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
liven
[ lahy-vuhn ]
/ ˈlaɪ vən /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of liven
First recorded in 1880–85; aphetic variant of enliven
OTHER WORDS FROM liven
liv·en·er, nounWords nearby liven
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use liven in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for liven
liven
/ (ˈlaɪvən) /
verb
(usually foll by up) to make or become lively; enliven
Derived forms of liven
livener, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012