adj.
Pronunciation: ' l ī v-l ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: live · li · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English l ī fl ī c, from l ī f life
Date: before 12th century
1 obsolete : LIVING
2 : briskly alert and energetic : VIGOROUS , ANIMATED <a lively discussion> < lively children racing for home>
3 : ACTIVE , INTENSE <takes a lively interest in politics>
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
7 : responding readily to the helm <a lively boat>
8 : full of life, movement, or incident < lively streets at carnival time>
– live · li · ly \ ' l ī v-l ə -l ē \ adverb
– live · li · ness \ ' l ī v-l ē -n ə s \ noun
– lively adverb
synonyms 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>.