lively

One entry found for lively.

Main Entry: live·ly
Pronunciation: 'lIv-lE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): live·li·er; -est
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English lIflIc, from lIf life
1 obsolete : LIVING
2 : briskly alert and energetic : VIGOROUS, ANIMATED <a lively discussion> <lively children racing for home>
3 : ACTIVE, INTENSE <takes a lively interest in politics>
4 : BRILLIANT, FRESH <a lively wit>
5 : imparting spirit or vivacity : STIMULATING <many a peer of England brews livelier liquor than the Muse -- A. E. Housman>
6 : quick to rebound : RESILIENT
7 : responding readily to the helm <a lively boat>
8 : full of life, movement, or incident <lively streets at carnival time>
- live·li·ly /'lIv-l&-lE/ adverb
- live·li·ness /'lIv-lE-n&s/ noun
- lively adverb
synonyms LIVELY, ANIMATED, VIVACIOUS, SPRIGHTLY, GAY mean keenly alive and spirited. LIVELY suggests briskness, alertness, or energy <a lively debate on the issues>. ANIMATED applies to what is spirited and active <an animated discussion of current events>. VIVACIOUS suggests an activeness of gesture and wit, often playful or alluring <a vivacious party host>. SPRIGHTLY suggests lightness and spirited vigor of manner or wit <a tuneful, sprightly musical>. GAY stresses complete freedom from care and overflowing spirits <the gay spirit of Paris in the 1920s>.