vivacious
Americanadjective
adjective
-
full of high spirits and animation; lively or vital
-
obsolete having or displaying tenacity of life
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of vivacious
First recorded in 1635–45; vivaci(ty) + -ous
Explanation
A vivacious person is lively and spirited: a vivacious dancer might do a back-flip off the wall and then jump into the arms of her partner. Some people are just naturally fun to be around; they sparkle, they animate any group they're part of, they're full of life. That, in fact, is the root meaning of the word: it's from Latin vivere "to live." It has more of a sense of playfulness than lively or animated. Even the most sedentary slob can feel revitalized in the presence of a vivacious soul.
Vocabulary lists containing vivacious
Animal Farm
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Vivacious, with a decent command of Spanish, she comfortably navigates her neighborhood.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 22, 2019
Vivacious and outdoorsy, Mrs. Blackwell was known for her bright smile and casual allure.
From Washington Post • Aug. 11, 2017
Vivacious young Mathilde borrows a necklace from a wealthy friend in order to go to a party.
From Slate • Oct. 8, 2015
Vivacious and engaging, Clarkson, who with her husband Bobby is mother to Makayla, 11, has a natural likability that translates well into any language.
From Washington Times • Nov. 1, 2014
Vivacious claimants advance, see what is to be seen, partake of what is furnished, are satisfied, and retire; and their places are immediately taken by hungry successors.
From The Destiny of the Soul A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life by Alger, William Rounseville
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
