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

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

• 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

Inside a converted warehouse (complete with an outdoor patio), the lively, family-friendly taproom serves creative small-batch brews, drawing a steady mix of locals and visitors. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025

The story shifts into a lively party sequence, where guests appear in looks from Bergdorf’s latest offerings including pieces by Schiaparelli, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Valentino, Charvet, Giuliva Heritage and Khaite. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

However, when Victor accidentally resurrects a dead Victorian-era woman named Emily (Helena Bonham Carter), he's transported to the much more lively Land of the Dead — ultimately forcing him to choose between his mortal fiancée and his new corpse bride. —Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Reduce to a lively simmer over medium-low. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2025

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