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View synonyms for lively

lively

[ lahyv-lee ]

adjective

, live·li·er, live·li·est.
  1. full or suggestive of life or vital energy; active, vigorous, or brisk:

    a lively discussion.

    Synonyms: pert, quick, agile, nimble, spry, alert

    Antonyms: torpid, sluggish, indolent, inactive

  2. animated, spirited, vivacious, or sprightly:

    a lively tune; a lively wit.

    Synonyms: buoyant, gay

    Antonyms: lifeless, dull

  3. eventful, stirring, or exciting:

    The opposition gave us a lively time.

  4. bustling with activity; astir:

    The marketplace was lively with vendors.

  5. strong, keen, or distinct; vivid:

    a lively recollection.

    Synonyms: clear, forceful

    Antonyms: vague, weak

  6. striking, telling, or effective, as an expression or instance.
  7. vivid or bright, as color or light:

    a lively pink.

    Synonyms: glowing, clear, brilliant

    Antonyms: dim

  8. sparkling, as wines.
  9. fresh or invigorating, as air:

    a lively breeze.

  10. rebounding quickly; springing back; resilient:

    a lively tennis ball.

  11. riding the sea buoyantly, as a ship.


adverb

  1. with briskness, vigor, or animation; briskly:

    to step lively.

lively

/ ˈlaɪvlɪ /

adjective

  1. full of life or vigour
  2. vivacious or animated, esp when in company
  3. busy; eventful
  4. characterized by mental or emotional intensity; vivid
  5. having a striking effect on the mind or senses
  6. refreshing

    a lively breeze

  7. springy or bouncy or encouraging springiness

    a lively ball

  8. (of a boat or ship) readily responsive to the helm
“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

adverb

  1. in a brisk manner

    step lively

  2. look lively
    interjection make haste
“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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈliveliness, noun
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Other Words From

  • liveli·ly adverb
  • liveli·ness noun
  • over·liveli·ness noun
  • over·lively adjective
  • un·liveli·ness noun
  • un·lively adjective adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lively1

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English līflīc “vital”; life, -ly
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Example Sentences

The lively underground pub drew a young crowd with its western theme and eclectic music.

From BBC

There were stories everywhere - precious everyday memories, like the time she spent with her sister and the lively family discussions around the dinner table.

From BBC

She’s now the subject of a lively documentary from Alexis Manya Spraic, “The World According to Allee Willis,” and in a central way, it qualifies as the Detroit-born artist’s final work as well.

Live from the Kaseya Center in Miami, Vives, the Colombian singer-songwriter and this year’s Latin Grammy person of the year, opened the awards show with a lively medley of his hits, including “A La Tierra del Olvido” and “Volvi a Nacer.”

According to the publication, customers can expect to see “lively ads that showcase the efforts of agronomists, master roasters and the baristas whipping up the beverages.”

From Salon

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