adj. (usu. predic.) 1 (of a person, animal, plant, etc.) living, not dead. 2 a (of a thing) existing; continuing; in operation or action (kept his interest alive). b under discussion; provoking interest (the topic is still very much alive today). 3 (of a person or animal) lively, active. 4 charged with an electric current; connected to a source of electricity. 5 (foll. by to) aware of; alert or responsive to. 6 (foll. by with) a swarming or teeming with. b full of. alive and kicking colloq. very active; lively. alive and well still alive or active (esp. despite contrary assumptions or rumours). aliveness n.
[ OE on life (as A(2), LIFE) ]