Main Entry: live·ly

Pronunciation: \ˈlīv-lē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): live·li·er; live·li·est

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English līflīc, from līf life

Date: before 12th century

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 \ˈlīv-lə-lē\ adverb

— live·li·ness \ˈlīv-lē-nəs\ 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>.