vivacious

adjective

vi·​va·​cious və-ˈvā-shəs How to pronounce vivacious (audio)
 also  vī-
: lively in temper, conduct, or spirit : sprightly
vivaciously adverb
vivaciousness noun

Did you know?

Vivacious may not be onomatopoeic in a strict sense, but there’s definitely something lively—maybe even a bit va-va-voom—in the way its three syllables trip off the tongue. Perhaps this is why it has appealed to English speakers since the mid-1600s, when it was formed from the Latin adjective vivax meaning “long-lived, vigorous, or high-spirited.” Vivax comes from the verb vivere, meaning “to live.” Other English descendants of vivere include survive, revive, and victual—all of which came to life during the 15th century—and vivid and convivial, both of which surfaced around the same time as vivacious. Somewhat surprisingly, the word live is unrelated; it comes to us from the Old English word libban.

Choose the Right Synonym for vivacious

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 vivacious in a Sentence

Historically, in nations where city economies are dying and where, as well, cities are drained in service to transactions of decline, one city remains vivacious longest: the capital city. Jane Jacobs, Cities and the Wealth of Nations, (1984) 1985
You see, for years I have built my figure on the premise that "fat people are jolly." I have eaten my way through: pleasant, cheery, sunny, smiling, gay, spirited, chipper, vivacious, sparkling, happy, and sportive and was well on my way to becoming hysterical. Erma Bombeck, The Best of Bombeck, (1965) 1967
She could follow every word that the ramblers uttered. They were talking no secrets. They were merely indulging in the ordinary vivacious chat of relatives who have long been parted in person though not in soul. Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native, 1878
an outgoing, vivacious girl who became a successful sales rep the poem is a vivacious expression of his love for her
Recent Examples on the Web The energy was restored by a beefy, vivacious scherzo, boosted by sturdy bassoons and a gorgeous trio of horns. Michael Andor Brodeur, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 This vivacious pink and gold salad, with its array of textures and smack of citrus, lit up my winter evening. Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 None of that is known yet to the vivacious Seydou, who dreams of becoming a musician, and his cousin Moussa (Moustapha Fall), who prods his more cautious pal into action. Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024 This vivacious space, lit by chandeliers and neon signs, is the place to go for a glass of Champagne, bottle of rosé or a fizzy flight. Catherine Garcia, theweek, 30 Jan. 2024 Jones, whose vivacious voice features distinct and succulent hints of gravel, carries the power to roar like a lion or purr like a kitten. David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 25 Jan. 2024 The actors who portray them — Sean Bell, Danny Kornfeld, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman and Steven Telsey — are vivacious and polished. Peter Marks, Washington Post, 14 Nov. 2023 Suiting with vivacious prints, crushed velvet orange pants with a brown poncho-style sweater, and a neon yellow set with a tan coat were make up the stand-out looks from the presentation. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 22 Jan. 2024 Their expressive eyes and large ears, coupled with a vivacious personality, contribute to their cuteness. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vivacious.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin vivac-, vivax long-lived, vigorous, high-spirited, from vivere to live

First Known Use

circa 1645, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vivacious was circa 1645

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Cite this Entry

“Vivacious.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vivacious. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vivacious

adjective
vi·​va·​cious və-ˈvā-shəs How to pronounce vivacious (audio)
 also  vī-
: full of life and good spirits
vivaciously adverb
vivaciousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on vivacious

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