Main Entry: alive

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈlīv\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English on life, from on + līf life

Date: before 12th century

1 : having life : not dead or inanimate
2 a : still in existence, force, or operation : active <kept hope alive> b : still active in competition with a chance of victory <must win to stay alive in the playoffs>
3 : knowing or realizing the existence of : sensitive <alive to the danger>
4 : marked by alertness, energy, or briskness <his face came alive at the mention of food>
5 : marked by much life, animation, or activity : swarming <streets alive with traffic>
6 —used as an intensive following the noun <the proudest boy alive>

synonyms see aware

— alive·ness noun