adj.
Pronunciation: ə - ' l ī v
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English on life, from on + l ī f life
Date: before 12th century
1 : having life : not dead or inanimate
2 a : still in existence, force, or operation : ACTIVE <kept hope alive > b : still active in competition with a chance of victory <must win to stay alive in the playoffs>
3 : knowing or realizing the existence of : SENSITIVE < alive to the danger>
4 : marked by alertness, energy, or briskness <his face came alive at the mention of food>
5 : marked by much life, animation, or activity : SWARMING <streets alive with traffic>
6 ― used as an intensive following the noun <the proudest boy alive >
synonyms see AWARE
– alive · ness noun