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 inanimate2 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