lively

adjective

live·​ly ˈlīv-lē 

livelier; liveliest

1

: briskly alert and energetic : vigorous, animated

a lively discussion

lively children racing for home

2

: active, intense

takes a lively interest in politics

3

: full of life, movement, or incident

lively streets at carnival time

4

: brilliant, fresh

a lively wit

5

: imparting spirit or vivacity : stimulating entry 1

… many a peer of England brews / Livelier liquor than the Muse …

—A. E. Housman

6

: quick to rebound : resilient

a lively ball

7

: responding readily to the helm

a lively boat

8

obsolete : living

livelily

ˈlīv-lə-lē 

adverb

liveliness

ˈlīv-lē-nəs 

noun

lively adverb

Synonyms of lively

• energetic
• animated
• active
• animate
• brisk
• spirited
• bouncing

Choose the Right Synonym for lively

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

Examples of lively in a Sentence

a very lively writing style

The book is lively and well written.

They had a lively debate.

A lively atmosphere keeps people coming back to the café.

Recent Examples on the Web

Back at the hotel, rotating art, live performances, wellness programming, and seasonal events keep things lively. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026

The music department, as well as Courcol’s lively directing and writing, must be commended for scenes of the brass ensemble playing and rehearsing, in a constantly dynamic interaction with dialogue. — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

From the most delicate shades of baby pink to the liveliest hues of fuchsia, every shade of pink shines better when mixed with white, a neutral that never steals the spotlight. — Emma Bocchi, Glamour, 21 Aug. 2026

People have flocked there from California, Washington and Oregon, taking advantage of Boise's lower cost of living, relatively mild winters, and lively outdoor scene. — Cj Haddad,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English līflīc, from līf life

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 8

Phrases Containing lively

• lively imagination
• lively interest
• look lively
• step lively

Rhymes for lively

• plaintively

Kids Definition

lively

adjective

live·​ly ˈlīv-lē 

livelier; liveliest

1

: full of life : active

a lively puppy

2

: keen entry 1 sense 3

a lively interest

3

: full of spirit or feeling

a lively debate

4

: showing activity or spirit

a lively manner

liveliness noun

lively adverb