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

• active
• airy
• animate
• animated
• bouncing
• brisk
• energetic
• frisky
• gay
• jaunty
• jazzy
• kinetic
• mettlesome
• peppy
• perky
• pert
• pizzazzy
• pizazzy
• racy
• snappy
• spanking
• sparky
• spirited
• sprightly
• springy
• vital
• vivacious
• zippy

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

Railroad Square offers a dynamic and inclusive space for the community to engage with contemporary art, fostering a lively cultural scene in the heart of Tallahassee with its monthly First Friday Gallery Hop and a range of local events. —Jp Shaffer, Miami Herald, 12 Apr. 2024

The destination’s popularity is no shocker, really—Ciudad de México (CDMX) is one of the world’s greatest epicenters of culture, with architectural masterpieces, innovative cuisine, and a lively art scene that all contribute to the tapestry of the capital’s rich history. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2024

From a pop culture convention in Livonia with celebrity meet and greets to a lively downtown celebration of Greek culture, metro Detroit promises a vibrant array of events this weekend. —Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2024

The historic buildings along Hillsborough's main street harbor a lively food and drink scene, including cozy trattoria Hillsborough Bakeshop & Pasta Co. and an outpost of the ever-popular Weaver Street Market. —Anne Olivia Bauso, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2024

And as the branding implies, all of these new products — three speakers and one pair of headphones — focus on lively, bass-forward sound. —Chris Welch, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024

Since then, new hotels, resorts, businesses and restaurants have been built on blocks of deserted empty lots near the ocean, becoming a lively community of residents and visitors. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2024

The recent Nvidia artificial intelligence convention, in addition to compelling keynotes and packed events, was also the catalyst for lively crowds that poured into the downtown in search of meals, drinks, or entertainment. —George Avalos, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

But this being a college town, and King’s College Chapel being such a nonpareil work of architecture, the debate over installing panels was long and lively — a heady mix of aesthetics, economics and politics. —Mark Landler, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2024

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
• look lively
• lively interest
• step lively

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