lively

American  

[lahyv-lee] / ˈlaɪv li /

adjective

livelier, liveliest

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, vague, weak, weak, 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.

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adverb

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

   to step lively.

lively British  

/ 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

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adverb

1. in a brisk manner

   step lively

2. (interjection) make haste

Other Word Forms

• livelily adverb
• liveliness noun
• overliveliness noun
• overlively adjective
• unliveliness noun
• unlively adjective

Etymology

Origin of lively

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

Example Sentences

Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is a natural left-back, which will be of value, and he showed his quality in a lively cameo against Japan.

From BBC

He's been in with more lively opponents, proving himself better.

From BBC

Northern Ireland's travelling contingent did their best to generate a lively atmosphere, but there is only so much 300 people can do.

From BBC

It’s a lively university town with breweries everywhere, bikes zipping past on nearly every street, and the kind of easy smiles and hellos that make Midwest nice feel real.

From Salon

The historian Rachel Trethewey corrects that in a lively biography, “Muv,” which takes its title from the nickname Sydney’s children bestowed on her.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• animated
• bright
• buoyant
• bustling
• cheerful
• enjoyable
• entertaining
• festive
• frisky
• nimble
• peppy
• provocative
• refreshing
• spirited
• stimulating
• vigorous