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

adverb

1. in a brisk manner

   step lively

2. look lively
   interjection make haste

Derived Forms

• ˈliveliness, noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lively¹

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

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

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

Australia, buoyed and making gainline metres, were back within a point after 35 minutes as lively replacement scrum-half Tate McDermott swerved outside George Martin and fed the supporting Wilson for their second try.

From BBC

Her family described her as “a lively lady” who loved ballroom dancing and said she was a teacher at many venues around Wales, still attending afternoon dances in recent years.

From BBC

Related Words

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