vivid

[ viv-id ]

adjective

1. strikingly bright or intense, as color, light, etc.:

   a vivid green.

   Synonyms: intense, brilliant, bright

2. full of life; lively; animated:

   a vivid personality.

   Synonyms: intense, vivacious, spirited

3. presenting the appearance, freshness, spirit, etc., of life; realistic:

   a vivid account.

4. strong, distinct, or clearly perceptible:

   a vivid recollection.

5. forming distinct and striking mental images:

   a vivid imagination.

vivid

/ ˈvɪvɪd /

adjective

1. (of a colour) very bright; having a very high saturation or purity; produced by a pure or almost pure colouring agent
2. brilliantly coloured

   vivid plumage

3. conveying to the mind striking realism, freshness, or trueness to life; graphic

   a vivid account

4. (of a recollection, memory, etc) remaining distinct in the mind
5. (of the imagination, etc) prolific in the formation of lifelike images
6. making a powerful impact on the emotions or senses

   a vivid feeling of shame

7. uttered, operating, or acting with vigour

   vivid expostulations

8. full of life or vitality

   a vivid personality

Derived Forms

• ˈvividly, adverb
• ˈvividness, noun

Other Words From

• viv·id·ly adverb
• viv·id·ness vi·vid·i·ty [vi-, vid, -i-tee], noun
• o·ver·viv·id adjective
• o·ver·viv·id·ness noun
• un·viv·id adjective
• un·viv·id·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vivid¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin vīvidus “lively,” equivalent to vīv(ere) “to live” + -idus adjective suffix; vital, -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of vivid¹

C17: from Latin vīvidus animated, from vīvere to live

Synonym Study

See picturesque.

Example Sentences

The opening track, “Gemini,” is a vivid but fretful tale of modern malaise and a doppelgänger who gives Heynderickx refreshing perspective.

From New York Times

The night of the crash is still vivid in Natalie’s mind.

From BBC

Similar issues run deep in other parts of Los Angeles, but the Westlake neighborhood is also burdened by gang activity and a fentanyl crisis on vivid public display.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was the sight of Tendai Mtawarira, better known as “The Beast” and South Africa’s most capped prop, that brought back some vivid memories.

From BBC

Joan’s memories of the night her daughter was born are vivid.

From BBC

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• brilliant
• colorful
• dramatic
• eloquent
• expressive
• glowing
• lifelike
• lively
• lucid
• meaningful
• memorable
• realistic
• rich
• sharp
• striking
• telling
• theatrical