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livelyadj.n. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: life n., -ly suffix1. Etymology: < life n. + -ly suffix1. Compare Middle Dutch lijflijk bodily, corporeal, Middle Low German (rare) lēflīk , lēvelīk alive, living, bodily, corporeal, Old High German līblīh bodily, of or relating to the body, invigorating (Middle High German līplīch , German leiblich bodily, corporeal, of or relating to the body), Old Icelandic lífligr alive, living, Old Swedish lifliker of or relating to life (Swedish livlig living, alive, vivid, vigorous, bodily, corporeal, etc.), Old Danish liffligh (only in the compound renliffligh leading a morally clean life, of upright character; Danish livlig living, animate, vivid, vigorous, energetic). Compare also Middle Dutch levelijc , levenlijc of or relating to life, alive, living, vigorous, vivid (Dutch (rare) †leeflijk living, animate, of or relating to life), Middle High German lebelich , lebelīch living, animate, of or relating to life (German (now regional (Hesse) leblich : see note)), which are formed from the Dutch and German deverbal nouns cited in the note at life n. Compare alive adj., living adj., and later live adj.1, vital adj., lifelike adj.German leblich became obsolete in the standard language in the late 17th cent.; it is still regional (Hesse) in sense ‘living, alive’, but in early modern German it had a much wider semantic range which included ’animate’, ‘active, vigorous, sprightly’, ‘(of pictures) lifelike’, ‘(of colours) vivid, intense’. It was superseded by German lebendig (Middle High German lebendic , Old High German lebēndīg , lebēntīg ) and lebhaft (Middle High German lebhaft ), which occur both in the sense ‘alive, living’ and in the various transferred uses corresponding to senses A. 3 and A. 4. In sense A. 1b after various transferred applications of classical Latin vīvus vive adj., frequently in phrases of biblical origin. With lively fire (see quot. OE2 at sense A. 1b) compare classical Latin ignis vīvus . With lively bread (see quot. a1530 at sense A. 1b; compare quot. OE1 at sense A. 1b) compare post-classical Latin panis vivus (Vulgate: John 6:51). With lively water (see quots. 1548 at sense A. 1b, 1607 at sense A. 1b) compare post-classical Latin aqua viva (Vulgate: John 4:10). With lively coal (see quot. 1581 at sense A. 1b) compare classical Latin carbonēs vīvī glowing coals (see etymological note at live adj.1). With lively rock (see quot. 1609 at sense A. 1b) compare classical Latin saxum vīvum (see etymological note at live adj.1). With lively fountain (see quot. c1610-15 at sense A. 1b) compare classical Latin fōns vīvus. A. adj. 1. the world > life > source or principle of life > [adjective] > opposed to inanimate OE Ælfric (Royal) (1997) xxv. 384 He..wæs unscyldig for ure alysednysse, his fæder liflic onsægednys, on lambes wisan geoffrod. OE Wærferð tr. Gregory (Corpus Cambr.) (1900) iv. iii. 263 Se ælmihtiga God gesceop iii liflice gastas: an þara is, þe na mid flæsce bewrigen is, oþer is, þe mid flæsce bewrigen is, ac swa þeh he ne swelteð na mid þy flæsce, se þridda is, þe ægþer ge mid þy flæsce bewrigen is ge eac mid þy flæsce swelteþ. c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) Prol. l. 275 (MED) Omer..feyned falsly that goddis..The worthi Grekis holpen to werreye Ageyn Troyens, and howe þat þei wer seye Lyche lyfly men amonge hem day by day. ?c1430 J. Lydgate (Huntington) l. 538 Dethe assaileth eueri lifli thynge. ?1521 J. Fisher sig. Diii Thou arte christ ye sone of the lyuely god. 1567 J. Maplet f. 14 The Lodestone..draweth Iron to it... The common people therefore..haue iudged..ye Iron liuely. 1594 W. Shakespeare iii. i. 105 Now I behold thy liuelie bodie so? View more context for this quotation 1601 P. Holland tr. Pliny I. 4 All liuely creatures else [sc. other than man] take care onely for their food. a1627 J. Beaumont (1629) 5 The holy King then offer'd to his view A liuely tree, on which three branches grew. 1638 A. Read xxi. 155 The colour of a lively bone is of a whitish colour, mingled with a lively ruddiness. the world > the supernatural > deity > Christian God > activities of God > [adjective] > that bestows life > eternal the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > [adjective] the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [adjective] > live or burning (of coals) the world > the earth > minerals > types of mineral > [adjective] > native OE Ælfric (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xii. 116 Ic eom se liflica hlaf [L. panis vivus] þe of heofenum astah. OE Hymns (Durh. B.iii.32) lxxvi. 2 in I. Milfull (1996) 304 Qui paraclytus diceris.., fons vivus, ignis : þu ðe frofergast eart gesæd..wyll liflic fyr. a1530 W. Bonde (1531) iii. f. CCxxxii I am ye lyuely breed that descended from heuen. 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus I. Matt. v. 36 To thurst for that lively water. 1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo (1586) i. 16 b And as a dead coale, layed to a liuelie, kindleth. 1607 J. Norden iii. 85 And these springs I like well. For a house without liuely water is maymed. 1609 W. Biddulph 38 His house..being hewed out of the liuely rocke. c1610–15 Life Holie Inthware in C. Horstmann (1886) 80 Where she was killed there sprong a lyuelie fountayne. 1632 P. Massinger & N. Field ii. sig. D2 See, the young sonne interd a liuely graue. 1526 W. Tyndale sig. Avij Fayth is then a lyvely and a stedfaste truste in the favoure off God. c1531 G. Joye sig. Bijv Of this lively faithe Paule speaketh alwayes..and mente no more deade faithe in this his sentence. 1549 (new ed.) sig. Giv Ther be two kyndes of fayth: a dead & vnfruitfull fayth and, a faythe lyuely. 1604 T. Bilson 422 If you defend, that the dead flesh of Christ in the graue had indeed any liuely affection of hope in part or in whole, it is a brutish heresie..; since a liuely hope importeth not only life, but vnderstanding and faith. 1680 W. Bates vi. 150 Between a lively and a dead Faith there may be a fainting Faith. 1705 T. Bennet xiv. 170 The Internal is that Vital Union which makes us lively Members of God's Church. 1768 C. Smart 62 If you had lively faith, indeed, But as a grain of mustard-seed, You might this sycomine command To grow by sea and quit the land. a1795 G. Berkeley (1799) 21 Christ Jesus came into the world to save penitent, believing sinners, who thankfully accept the mercy offered to all true and lively members of his church. 1884 17 Nov. 9/4 It is a lively, not a dead faith which the Catholic Church wants if it is to flourish. 1964 57 211 The Protestant position that a lively faith must produce good works. 1998 40 108 Her gestures..express a lively faith in Jesus. the world > life > [adjective] > relating to the world > physical sensation > hearing and noise > voice or vocal sound > [noun] 1532 T. More iii. p. cccxiii Of this trewly yt is euydent that saynt Poule delyuered vnto them many thynges to be kepte wythout wrytynge, and by worde of mouth onely, that ys to saye wyth lyuely voyce, not by letters all onely. 1548 Princess Elizabeth & J. Bale tr. Queen Margaret of Angoulême f. 21 The lyuely voyce of God, rebukyngly toke me vp. 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin i. f. 13 They do beleue that it is as verily come from heauen as if they heard the liuely voice of God to speak therein. 1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Math. Præf. sig. *iiijv They which are not hable to atteine to this, without liuely teaching. 1611 Acts vii. 38 This [sc. Moses] is he..who receiued the liuely oracles [λόγια ζῶντα], to giue vnto vs. View more context for this quotation 1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin i. 10 The Solution..is learnt much easier by lively instruction, than by dead and dumb Letters. 1753 T. Allen 59 With his own lively voice, too loud for man to bear. 2. the world > life > source or principle of life > [adjective] > relating to the world > life > source or principle of life > [adjective] > necessary to or supporting life OE Hymns (Durh. B.iii.32) lxviii. 4 in I. Milfull (1996) 279 Audi..vivido tuo redemptos sanguine : gehyr..liflicum mid þinum alysedum [perh. read alysede] blode. OE Ælfric (Hatton 115) 59 God ða geworhte..mannan to his anlicnysse, and ableow on his ansyne liflicne blæd [L. spiraculum vitae]. a1382 (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Wisd. xv. 11 That bleȝ in to hym a lifli spirit. c1400 J. Wyclif (1871) III. 265 Spiritual swerdis and lyflyche word of oure God. a1450 (c1412) T. Hoccleve (Harl. 4866) (1897) l. 3252 For verray cold His lyfly myght he loren hadde almoost. c1480 (a1400) St. Peter 484 in W. M. Metcalfe (1896) I. 21 Gyf he liffis, he ma spek, and ga, and oþir lifly taknis ma. 1528 T. Paynell tr. Arnaldus de Villa Nova in Joannes de Mediolano (1535) 36 a Ye lifely spirites that procede from the brayne to the other membres. 1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Prol. f. cccxxvv Vtterly these thynges be no dremes ne iapes, to throwe to hogges, it is lyfelyche meate for chyldren of trouthe. 1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione sig. Xx.iiiiv Accept oure soules, that be offred vnto thee for a sacrifice. Burn them in the liuelye flame that wasteth al grosse filthines. 1570 E. Grindal Dial. in J. Foxe (rev. ed.) II. 1559/1 Turkes, Iewes, and Heathen bee dead, because they lack the lyuely foode of the soule. c1592 C. Marlowe (1633) iii. F 1 b Oh that my sighs could turne to liuely breath. 1640 J. Dyke in J. Dyke Ep. to Rdr. sig. A6 The branch..hath all lively sap and moisture..from the root or stocke. 1664 J. Chandler tr. J. B. van Helmont 1055 To what end also, should the brain allure Choler unto it self, being moist with a lively juice, and that a far better, and nearer? 1565 A. Golding tr. Ovid i. f. 6v The fruteful seede Of thinges well cherrisht in the fat and liuely soyle..began in length of tyme to growe. 1683 T. Rudyard Let. 3 May in W. A. Whitehead (1846) 213 The point is good lively land, 10, some places, 20 feet above the water mark. 1750 S. Trowell (ed. 2) i. 10 They call it [sc. sandy loam] a Lively Earth, because by it the early growing Quality is lodged in this sort. 1786 G. Washington Jrnl. 1 Oct. in (1979) V. 60 The cleared part has been lively & good, but much abused and a good deal worked. 1849 A. Gesner iv. 83 It forms extensive groves, which cover the ground with an annual coat of leaves, and finally with a lively soil. 1863 D. G. Mitchell iii. 119 The result [of harrowing] has been a compact lively sod, and a richer bite for the cattle. 2006 M. Irish iii. 73 Maintaining a healthy, lively soil and keeping plants from undue stress go a long way toward keeping plants disease free. 3. Vigorous, energetic, active, brisk. the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] OE Aldhelm Glosses (Brussels 1650) in L. Goossens (1974) 158 Uiuacis ingenii : uiui liflices studii orþa[nces]. OE tr. Defensor (1969) lxxxi. 421 Plerique in acumine intellegentiae uiuaces exsistunt sed loquendi inopia angustantur : wel manega on scearpnysse andgytes liflice wuniaþ ac to specenne mid wanspede beoþ genyrwede. a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus (BL Add. 27944) (1975) I. v. xii. 192 Mannes eren meven lest..but to heere þey ben most able and liueliche. a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. (Rawl.) (1898) 237 Tho men whych kepyth reysonabill diette..bene more hole of body,..more lyueloker [etc.]. 1526 W. Bonde iii. sig. HHHiiii Let vs syng..wt a quycke spirit, open mouth, & lyuely voyce. 1566 W. Painter I. xxvii. f. 55 So long as the Quene continued in the chamber, the beatyng [of the pulses] was quicke and liuelie, but when she departed,..the wonted weaknes of the poulces, retourned. 1595 sig. E Question. Why is the pulse of the heart more certainly iudged in the right side, then in the left? Answer. Because the heat of the heart is more liuely there then in the other side. 1611 Exod. i. 19 The Hebrew women..are liuely, and are deliuered ere the midwiues come in vnto them. View more context for this quotation 1619 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher ii. sig. C4 A dozen wanton words put in your head, Will make you liuelier in your husbands bed. c1665 L. Hutchinson (1973) To Children 11 A truer nor more lively vallour there never was in anie man. a1761 W. Law (1809) 17 A man..of lively parts and much candour. 1780 W. Cowper 18 Mar. (1979) I. 324 Men of lively imaginations are not often remarkable for solidity of judgment. 1807 G. Crabbe Parish Reg. iii, in 128 The strong Attack subdu'd his lively Powers. 1835 A. Steedman II. 95 It [sc. the muishond] is a lively little creature, extremely active and graceful in its movements. 1850 H. T. Cheever v. 89 The mate, if lively, is soon aloft. 1883 J. Gilmour xxxii. 368 Goods are transported on carts drawn by lively horses. 1893 95 268/2 A lively discussion is expected. 1913 A. MacLeish 29 Jan. (1983) 11 It..represented opposing positions in a lively debate then taking place on the Yale campus. 1937 26 July 27 (caption) Mother Bloor at 75 is a lively indefatigable propagandist and member of the Party's ruling Central Committee. 1952 G. F. Hervey & J. Hems 273 The aquarium should be kept covered; for Poeciliids are very lively fish, and some..are excellent jumpers. 2006 28 Dec. 9/1 The..pill..helped slimmers..by tricking the body into feeling full and by keeping the metabolism lively. the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > effect produced on emotions > [adjective] > vivid 1548 f. iiiiv That in thesame cytie, the memory of kyng Richard his mortall enemy was yet recent and lyuely. 1593 W. Shakespeare sig. Diij But now I dy'de, and death was liuely ioy. View more context for this quotation 1601 Let. 2 Nov. in F. Moryson (1617) ii. ii. ii. 151 The liuely affections you beare to her person (for which you desire to bee made a Sacrifice). 1660 Bp. J. Taylor ii. ii. 131 If we..pray that we may have lively relish and appetite to the mysteries, it may be well in time. 1787 W. Robertson (ed. 6) II. iii. 243 The remembrance of their ancient rivalship and hostilities was still lively. 1788 V. Knox III. vii. ii. 11 They are guided too implicitly by their lively sensations. 1821 W. M. Craig i. 55 Those impressions are the most lively which are conveyed to the mind in the shortest space of time. 1865 M. Arnold i. 38 An intimate and lively consciousness of the truth of what one is saying. 1876 G. Grote iv. 101 A source of the liveliest fear. 1931 V. Sackville-West iii. 231 He had a lively sense of the presence of microbes in all public conveyances. 1982 I. Hamilton xiv. 224 Lowell had, of course, come close to ‘settling down’ before, and on at least two occasions the prospect had induced a lively panic. 2002 (Nexis) 15 May (Features section) Leavitt's interaction with the city..is..coloured as much by an evocation of the Anglo-Florentine colony of the past 150 years as it is by a lively awareness of the present. the world > matter > light > light emitted under particular conditions > [adjective] > incandescent > of combustibles the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > of action: involving or requiring vigour > carried out or proceeding with vigour 1844 J. Liebig 2nd Ser. ix. 152 If to a solution of grape-sugar..milk of almonds, or pounded almonds..be added, and the mixture be kept in a warm place, it will soon run into a lively vinous fermentation. 1854 E. Ronalds & T. Richardson (ed. 2) I. 320 Producing a greater amount of heat and a more lively combustion. 1905 M. Corelli 47 Though weary, it [sc. love] is not tired,..but, as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way upwards. 1953 E. Farber 51 Of this mixture, 25-30 c.c. are added to the magnesium. A lively reaction begins after a very short time. 2003 P. Cheek ii. 57 I have only a little fire to present to Your Highness, a lively explosion and a good deal of smoke. 4. the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [adjective] > closely resembling > lifelike society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > vigour or force > [adjective] > vivid c1330 (?a1300) (1886) l. 2845 So liifliche weren þai alle Ymages semed it nouȝt, To abide. 1568 V. Skinner tr. R. González de Montes f. 3v But they draw his counterfaite as liuely as may be. 1590 E. Spenser ii. ix. sig. V3 Full liuely is the semblaunt, though the substance dead. 1631 J. Weever 41 The liuely Statues and stately Monuments in Westminster Abbey. 1712 J. Addison No. 416. ¶5 A Description often gives us more lively Ideas than the Sight of Things themselves. 1761 tr. A. Y. Goguet (1775) I. 6 Behold a lively picture of the manner in which almost all the families of the world lived immediately after their dispersion. 1762 H. Walpole I. ii. 23 The person of Richard II. is still preserved in the most lively manner, in two different pictures. 1816 J. Scott vi. 163 The most lively pictures have been given of the hasty flights, the crowded roads [etc.]. 1883 June 149/1 The volume embodies a lively picture of the temper of the people and their..modes of travel and intercommunication. 1925 3 Mar. 19/6 A lively representation of ‘Elephant and Castle, Newington’..shows us that the ‘Elephant’ was a busy traffic centre in the days of coaches. 1949 40 69/2 The authors have been most successful in recreating a lively image of their subject against the background of the opening of a great period in American medicine. 1963 H. M. Litt iii. 39 The records of 1268..give a lively picture of the unsettlement of the country, and the settlement of private grudges carried on under cover of the civil war. 2001 Winter 183 Besides Johnson's introductions and notes, I also miss his lively descriptions of the poems' recipients. society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > vigour or force > [adjective] > lively 1525 J. Gough tr. J. Ryckes v. sig. Cij Your father I suppose dyde gyue you this liuely ymage whan he spake to you by grace & sayd. Audi filia et vide. &c. 1563 R. Reynolds f. xxxj Histories of auncient tymes, bee vnto vs witnesses of all tymes and ages, of kyngdomes and common wealthes, a liuely example. 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta v. v. 343 They shew the Indians their blind errors, by lively and plaine reasons. 1657 R. Ligon 53 A hint of this, I will give you in a lively example. 1702 I. iii. 155 He could not give a more lively and demonstrable Evidence. 1713 R. Steele No. 41. 265 Example is the liveliest Way of Instruction. 1843 19 Oct. 7/2 He had..condemned in lively terms the conduct of M. Dupetit Thouars. 1870 J. S. Howson iii. 149 A more copious and lively instance of the same kind of illustration. 1926 24 103 The Court Ballad..becomes a lively expression of avowed intimacy and of covert gratitude for patronage of Gay when in difficulties. 2005 E. Van Deurzen & R. Kenward 218 Yalom's case studies are a lively illustration of the human issues that emerge in therapy. 5. the world > matter > light > intensity of light > [adjective] > brilliant or resplendent the world > matter > colour > quality of colour > [adjective] > vivid or bright c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 5682 (MED) Þoruȝ vertu..of þe lycour He was conserued lifly of colour, Fresche of hewe, quyke, & no þinge pale. ?c1425 (c1380) G. Chaucer tr. Boethius (Cambr. Ii.3.21) (1886) i. pr. i. l. 6 I sawh..a womman..with a lyfly coloure. 1552 T. Cooper (rev. ed.) at Color Floridi colores, liuely colours. 1594 W. Shakespeare sig. L3 Her liuelie colour kil'd with deadlie cares. View more context for this quotation 1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta iv. xv. 251 These oisters within are of the colour of heaven, very lively. 1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in (rev. ed.) 1013 The green Scarabee..is of a lively emerald colour. 1730 I. Newton (ed. 4) ii. 190 That green was copious and something more pure, deep and lively, than the former green. a1763 W. Shenstone (1764) I. 19 And livelier far than Tyrian seem'd his vest, That with the glowing purple ting'd the ground. 1810 W. Scott i. 18 And islands that, empurpled bright, Floated amid the livelier light. 1870 D. Rock (S. Kensington Mus.) 1 In gold and lively colours..is figured..the imperial five-clawed dragon. 1925 Apr. 37/1 The lively effects of the old-fashioned calicoes were stamped by hand. 1971 R. J. Adrosko 49 While one might deduce correctly that iron buff would not necessarily produce a lively color, it was expected to last for the life of the textile. 2005 W. B. Gratzer vii. 126 Red lead was used to impart a more lively colour to faded cayenne pepper. the world > physical sensation > sleeping and waking > refreshment or invigoration > [adjective] a1754 E. Erskine in E. Erskine & R. Erskine (1763) II. 50 If we were always under the lively gales and influences of the Spirit, we would be ready to mistake ourselves. 1792 W. Bartram (new ed.) ii. i. 57 The lively breezes were perfumed by the fragrant breath of the superb Crinum, called by the inhabitants, White Lily. 1844 A. W. Kinglake xvii. 246 The air..is much cooler, and more lively. 1863 W. Howitt (ed. 5) 433 Old prejudices, which often lie like fogs in low still nooks of the country, are blown away by the lively winds of discussion. 2008 (Nexis) 30 Jan. 89 A lively breeze is on the cards tomorrow afternoon. the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > brisk or active the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > lively, vivacious, or animated the mind > emotion > excitement > excitability of temperament > spiritedness or liveliness > [adjective] 1567 sig. Biiiv Be iocound and liuely sithe your name is lust. 1580 T. Churchyard (title) A light bondell of liuly discourses called Churchyardes Charge. 1633 P. Fletcher Piscatorie Eclogs vii. xiii. 47 in The lively Delphins dance, and brisly Seales give eare. 1695 R. Blackmore iv. 95 The lively Hoboy, and the sweet-mouth'd Flute. 1778 F. Burney III. xv. 154 Never did I see him more lively or more agreeable. 1790 W. Cowper 7 July (1982) III. 396 The French..like all lively folks, are extreme in every thing. 1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton I. iii. viii. 313 But your manner is livelier, and, therefore, younger. 1853 C. M. Yonge Cameos xx, in Feb. 101 He was lively in conversation. 1917 A. Cahan (1993) i. ii. 14 The band struck up a lively tune with a sad tang to it. 1973 17 42 He showed himself to be..a discursive but lively table-talker. 2000 Feb. 139/1 Villages all over the country come to life when a festival is in progress, exploding with joyous colours, distinctive folk music and lively dancing. 1581 R. Mulcaster xxxix. 195 This onely meane is to bad a meane, either to matche with great birth, or to mate great worth. For the most parte it is miserably scraped to the murthering of many a poore magot, while liuely cheese is lusty cheare, to spare expenses, that Iacke maye be a gentleman. 8. the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > types or qualities of intoxicating liquor > [adjective] > sparkling 1615 G. Markham Eng. Hus-wife in 123 It [sc. beer] may bee drunke at a fortnight's age and will last as long and liuely. a1658 J. Cleveland Sing-song xiv, in (1659) 157 Her brests..Like swelling Buts of lively Wine Upon their ivory stells did shine. 1735 W. Ellis I. xviii. 114 Its heavy Parts will..keep it mellow and lively to the last. 1896 A. E. Housman lxii. 92 Oh many a peer of England brews Livelier liquor than the Muse. 1993 12 Sept. v. 6/1 The result is a bubbling, popping, fermenting mass that smells like beer and looks like oatmeal with hiccups. We are encouraged to touch this lively brew, which feels rather gritty. 2007 A. Kaganof 148 I wake up with a slight hangover from all that lusty lively beer at the Bronx last night. the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [adjective] > strong-tasting 1770 R. Griffith II. 224 Put sugar to sack, and it gives it a brisk, lively flavour. 1854 195 Color red; flesh greenish-white, tender, rich, lively flavor. 1870 11 Jan. 1/4 Oh yes, says the waiter, we can give you a lively dish. 1906 22 June 6/2 The manufacturer..adds camphor, which gives a piquant and lively taste, but which destroys the quality of the liqueur. 1978 (Nexis) 1 Apr. Desserts can be spectacular—fruit crumbles, tarts, and a lively fruit salad spiked with thin slices of fresh lime. 2005 Oct. 240/2 The lively guajillo chili pepper rub on the satisfying grilled New York strip steak. 9. Filled with activity, interest, or excitement. the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > [adjective] > view or scenery > full of bright and interesting objects 1694 C. Hopkins tr. Ovid in 118 So the great Artist drew the lively Scene, Where hungry Birds snatch'd at the Grapes in vain. 1761 tr. A. Y. Goguet (1775) I. 341 Then it [sc. the mind] seeks for daring figures, bold and lively images, sublime and soaring expressions, to paint the sentiments it feels. 1851 T. Carlyle ii. vii. 219 The view from the top is..remarkably lively and satisfactory. 1883 J. Gilmour xxiv. 295 A valley lively with flocks, herds, tents [etc.]. 1990 19 Feb. 22/2 Johnson spices his text with lively maps, paintings and photographs. 2002 29 Dec. j11/1 A key factor is combating excessive uniformity and rigidity by creating a lively interior landscape and skyline. society > leisure > the arts > literature > a written composition > [adjective] > full of action 1697 K. Chetwood Life Virgil in J. Dryden tr. Virgil sig. **4 The liveliest Episode in the whole Æneis. 1759 E. Burke (ed. 2) ii. §5. 121 Which he has represented in the colours of..bold and lively poetry. 1948 18 June 6 His best known book, a lively but picksome account of the Eighteen Nineties. 1991 M. Valverde iii. 66 The lively melodramatic stories, engravings, and poems of [Salvation] Army publications were similar to the penny dreadfuls..enjoyed by the poor. 2002 29 Aug. 32/1 The rookie's lively dark comedy..is a tough-love note to the city and its inhabitants' tortured attempts at romantic connection. the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adjective] > brisk or active > full of brisk activity (of times or places) 1764 J. Wesley Jrnl. 31 Mar. in (1768) 59 We rode to Grimsby, once the most dead, now the most lively place in all the country. 1785 Oct. 508/1 All these circumstances united, give to the numerous inhabitants of this lively city a degree of spirit and animation which render it..a delightful abode. 1834 E. Bulwer-Lytton I. ii. vii. 124 The various resorts in that lively city, which night and day proffered diversity to pleasure. 1860 A. Fonblanque 81 Taking it altogether, Steepleton is not a very lively town; it has a dreamy, dozy air. 1916 24 718 In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries [these cities] were lively centers of trading activity. 1959 30 May 13/5 That lively atmosphere which comes from many activities going on at the same time. 2004 (Nexis) 6 Nov. 8 Havana, the Caribbean's most intoxicating city, with museums and lively nightlife. 1803 W. Hayley p. iv The long intimacy and correspondence which she enjoyed with him from their lively hours of infantine friendship to the dark evening of his wonderfully chequered life. 1846 Oct. 308 Coffee-kettles were bubbling; ‘chicken fixens’ were smoking; and every thing indicated that a lively day was opening upon us. 1887 I. Randall 84 I've been having a pretty lively week of it. 1910 H. de V. Stacpoole III. xvi. 122 The rainy season here was quite a lively time. Torrential showers followed by bursts of sunshine, rainbows, and rain-dogs in the sky. 1995 tr. D. L. Bartlett iii. 62 For Paul ‘eternal life’ is both the promise of life beyond death and the quality of a rich, full, lively life here and now. 2003 M. A. Crippa 25 The project took shape during what was a very lively period for the city, which celebrated its modernity..in 1888 with the Esposición Universal. society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel with reference to qualities or attributes > [adjective] > buoyant 1697 W. Dampier xviii. 498 We found our Vessel lively enough with that small sail which was then aboard. 1793 J. Smeaton (ed. 2) §170 To render them very floaty and lively in a rough hollow sea. 1830 J. F. Cooper II. ix. 190 I allow the Coquette to be a lively boat, on a wind. 1897 11 Dec. 8/3 In the sense, therefore, that she rides the waves instead of labouring through them, the Cambria might be described as a lively ship. 1923 61 78 The Quest proved to be a very lively ship with a most disconcerting motion even to the old and tried seamen of the party. 2000 15 257/2 Those who appreciated the practical difficulty of directing a very long telescope at Jupiter while aboard a lively ship were skeptical. the world > action or operation > difficulty > types of difficulty > [adjective] > difficult or troublesome a1777 S. Foote (1778) i. 6 My lady's temper's apt to be lively now and then. 1847 1 Sept. A number of deck hands conducted a wild denizen of the plains past our office. The distinguished stranger kept up quite a lively time among the party... Every few yards the buffalo would roll his wild eyes and make a charge. 1883 15 Oct. 5/2 The police had a lively time of it in bundling out the peace-breakers. 1891 21 Nov. 2/2 Altogether things are getting lively. 1892 92 197/2 The Press is making things lively for Her Majesty's judges. 1950 S. Sprigge tr. B. Croce Diary July 1943–June 1944 13 Sept. in 15 Signor Gugliucci,..having heard that former local Fascists are getting lively again,..has set a guard about the house where we live. 1986 R. Sproat 152 I've put in enough voluntary overtime in my day to..bust up one marriage, and make the present one more than a bit lively at times. 2005 (Nexis) 4 May 8 Now things started getting lively... She was surrounded by Labour activists. Some called her a ‘bloody witch’. 1867 20 June 1/4 When a lively ball gets on the cobble stones a home run is inevitable. 1885 H. Chadwick 106 A comparatively dead ball [is used] in the game, compared to the old lively rubber filled ball of years past. 1921 18 Sept. 13/3 The season's phenomenon on the diamond has been the lively ball. 1937 18 Aug. 8/3 There does not seem to be any question of the changes that have been worked in baseball by the lively rabbit ball. 1947 13 Apr. 2/3 The only hazards were a lively ball, bright sunshine, and a breeze, the last two of which may be said to have been against Gloucestershire in the first half. 1998 G. F. Will 314 In the lively-ball era not even a Speaker could play shallow enough to be, at times, an infielder. B. n.1737 B. Stillingfleet 9 The Rays of Wit gild wheresoe'er they strike, But are not therefore fit for all alike; They charm the Lively, but the Grave offend, And raise a Foe as often as a Friend. 1779 W. Combe 24 Now I saw, and trembled to behold, The Young, the Lively, the Deform'd, and Old, Both high and low, of every degree, Pay their low Homage to Adultery. 1814 III. 17/2 Though the warm and the lively are most subject to this fault, it is by no means confined to them. 1926 P. Russell xxiv. 225 To make the services so short as to attract the young and lively. 2004 A. T. Ellis lxxxi. 161 Everywhere they [sc. the elderly] go their very appearance reminds the young and lively that Death is waiting in the wings. the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [noun] > vigour or liveliness > vigorous or lively person 1798 G. Thompson 232 Now behold a group of Livelies, all sleek and trim. 1847 H. Melville xx. 86 Speak the word, my livelies, and I'll pilot her in. 1889 W. C. Russell II. v. 146 ‘Time from me, my livelies!’ cried Mole. 1969 15 Dec. 14/2 (heading) Young livelies ready..for all of the fun. 2003 (Nexis) 26 Feb. 20 Crowds are drawn to talented priests, whether they are Anglo-Catholics, charismatics or so-called ‘livelies’, such as those involved in the Alpha Course. Phrases1837 C. Dickens iii. 26 ‘Go on, Jemmy,’ said the Spanish traveller, ‘like black-eyed Susan—all in the Downs—no croaking—speak out—look lively.’ 1839 S. Lover i. i. 14 Mop up your eyes there, and look lively. The brisket's at the door, and I can wait no longer. 1870 A. Daly iv. 46 Wake up—look lively—run! 1906 13 Jan. 35/6 There he is—your rhinoceros. Look lively now, or he'll catch us. 1951 D. Thomas 3 Dec. (1987) 818 First date in N.Y. January 23rd? I'll have to look lively. 1993 P. Muldoon i. ii. 20 Look lively, lads. Back to your posts. Here comes Ed Cheney. Compoundsa1618 J. Sylvester tr. G. de S. Du Bartas (1621) ii. iv. 463 Their Dance, so quick and lively-light, Doth never pass the Baldricks bounds (at all) Which grav'n with Star-Beasts over-thwarts the Hall. 1655 H. Vaughan (ed. 2) ii. 36 How art thou chang'd! how lively-fair. 1858 A. Gray xii. 336 The large spores are fecundated by spermatozoids, or minute lively-moving cells produced in antheridia. 2003 G. Williams (2005) vii. 282 The dull parts must go, the play be kept moving with lively-spoken dialogue. 1722 J. Dart 2 The lively-colour'd Painting, bold and strong, Is just as Nature, and shall last as long. 1828 G. F. Lyon II. ix. 110 Long narrow strips of ground redeemed from the surrounding swamp, and intersected by canals. Lively foliaged poplars generally shadowed their extremities. 1867 M. E. Dodge xxxviii. 267 Everywhere could be seen..lively faced girls, and youths whose expression never changed from sunrise to sunset. 2005 S. Toliver 44/2 (caption) Form and function meet fun and fashion in this lively-patterned makeup bag. 1596 M. Drayton sig. H3 Euen as a Trumpets liuely-sounding voyce, Tryps on the winds with many a dainty trick. 1992 Oct. 30 They include such bland vegetables as bell peppers and such lively-tasting chiles as jalapeños, serranos and cayennes. 2002 H. Price ix. 110 More lively-seeming highs, though not necessarily more high frequency content as such. C4. 1774 J. Robinson 22 They are lively-looking cattle, with fine horns. 1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage III. vii. ix. 130 He drew from his pocket a phial full of a lively-looking red liquor. 1887 23 June 7/6 Even the proverbial ‘red tie’ was superseded by a request from the gallery to some too lively-looking Master to ‘take off that Jubilee smile’. 1938 79 202/1 ‘Heitere Musik’ is a lively-looking Suite of four movements. 2004 R. W. Jennings 92 A handsome, dark-complexioned, lively-looking man with slicked down, wavy hair. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). livelyadv. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: life n., -ly suffix2. Etymology: < life n. + -ly suffix2. Compare Anglo-Norman and Middle French, French vivement (1155 in Old French). Compare belive adv., lively adj. With sense 3b compare belively adv. OE Ælfric (Cambr. Gg.3.28) xiv. 139 He genam ða hlaf, and hine liflice gehalgode. 2. the world > relative properties > relationship > similarity > [adverb] > closely (of resemblance) > with lifelike representation c1405 (c1385) G. Chaucer (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 1229 Wel koude he peynte lyfly that it wroghte. c1450 ( G. Chaucer (Fairf. 16) (1871) l. 905 She Was white rody fressh, and lyvely hewed. 1559 Bp. Scot in J. Strype (1824) I. ii. App. vii. 18 Who so redith the third chapter of the second epistle of St. Paul to Tymothie, may see them there lively described. 1604 T. Dekker sig. E In a large Table..is their fishing & shipping liuely and sweetely set downe. 1615 T. Adams Spirituall Nauigator 6 in This Glasse liuely represents to vs our selues, and our Sauiour. 1631 J. Weever 14 The funeralls of Misenus, most liuely thus expressed. 1682 H. More Annot. Lux Orientalis 30 in Meeting with nothing..that lively resembles these things in our former state. 1686 Bp. G. Burnet i. 39 The Image also seemed to shed tears, and a Painter had drawen those on her face so lively, that the people were deceived by it. 1726 Life of Penn in I. 28 What Game such Persons play at, may be lively read in the attempts of Dionysius, &c. 1775 S. J. Pratt (1783) III. lxx. 22 He [sc. Draper] painted himself..much livelier..than it was in the power of any other person to depict him. 1926 28 Sept. 10/5 They had engaged to paint ‘lively, largely, and artificially’ the Dutchmen torturing their innocent victims. society > communication > manifestation > [adverb] 1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus I. Pref. 17 And liuely to know the ungodly maligners. 1556 J. Knox Ansueris Quest. Baptisme in (1855) IV. 119 The promissis of saluation in Chryst Jesus ar not in the Papisticall baptisme lyvelie and trewlie explanit to the peppill. 1576 W. Lambarde 150 She seemed..most liuely to beholde..with hir eye. 1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero 90 The wisedome of a prince is not liuelier discerned then [etc.]. 1634 J. Canne i. 12 The Popes Pontificall, wherein he sheweth himselfe to be Antichrist most lively. 1635 A. Gil i. xv. 107 The shape of a man cannot bee more lively seene in a looking glasse, than the whole creature is represented in man. 1673 W. Penn v. 533 It had been utterly impossible for divers weighty Things..to have been known, and said so lively, had they not been seen by the Light. 1748 L. Pilkington I. 224 Thy smooth, expanded, liquid Glass, Lively reflects each beauteous Face. 1879 May 158/1 All the promises I had made at sea came lively into my mind and seemed to reprehend me. 3. the world > action or operation > manner of action > vigour or energy > [adverb] > briskly or actively c1425 J. Lydgate (Augustus A.iv) iii. l. 4033 (MED) Hector lifly sterte And toke it vp. c1450 (c1400) Julian of Norwich (1978) 43 I sawe the rede blode trekylle downe fro vndyr the garlande alle hate, freschlye, plentefully, & lyvelye. c1475 (1969) 76 Leppe about lyuely! þou art a wyght man. a1500 (?c1450) 355 (MED) Cleodalis..lept vp on foote as lifly as he hadde noon harme ne dissese. c1540 (?a1400) 2997 There light þai full lyfely, lept into bote. 1553 J. Brende tr. Q. Curtius Rufus vii. f. 127v Being .Lxx. yeares of age, [he] executed thoffice of a capitaine, as liuely as though he had bene young in yeares. 1613 J. Hayward William I in 9 The Normans did liuely charge vpon them in head. 1664 H. Power i. 4 If you divide the Bee..you shall..see the heart beat most lively. 1694 W. Salmon i. viii. 337/2 It will..make the Medicine work more lively and briskly. a1720 J. Sheffield (1753) I. 160 The blood more lively danc'd within our veins. 1753 tr. P. Portal 228 I felt her pulse, which beating pretty lively, I let her blood. 1883 G. H. Boughton in Feb. 402/2 We found that it was going on a little livelier than ever. 1971 T. Murphy i. 13 And we breezed out lively, Michael, and these two English blokes—one of them putting the nut into Des. 2007 (Scotl. ed.) (Nexis) 31 May 63 Gordon had to move lively to punch out an Ivanschitz corner from the right seconds after the restart. the world > time > relative time > immediacy > [adverb] c1540 (?a1400) 372 [He] led hom furthe lyuely into a large halle. c1540 (?a1400) 4355 And so the ledis of the lond lyuely hym cald. c1540 (?a1400) 5447 Out of Lyce come lyuele þe lege kyng Glaucon. 1600 T. Dekker sig. J 4v No more Firke, come liuely, let your fellowe prentises want no cheere. 1896 Jan. 350/1 Come, lively now, before I disgrace meself a-layin' hands on the likes of ye! the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > effect produced on emotions > [adverb] > vividly 1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin ii. viii. f. 45v Shake awaye oure drousenesse and more liuely touche oure mynde and remembrance. 1568 V. Skinner tr. R. González de Montes f. 98v Making him..liuely to lament his owne filthines and abomination. 1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin 79/1 The examples..ought to make vs feele it liuely, and to the quicke. 1651 tr. F. de Quintana 33 Don Louis..was so lively touched with compassion..that [etc.]. 1653 tr. F. Carmeni 86 She was so lively imprest with what she had heard. a1758 A. Ramsay (1761) vii How lyflie he and amorous Stuart sing! 1792 R. Bage IV. lxxxiv. 14 ‘Actor!’ said Sir George. ‘Don't you then think he felt the raptures he seemed to feel so lively?’ 1844 1 Mar. 5/3 At a moment when the public mind is so lively moved, our readers will approve our hazarding no opinion. the world > life > source or principle of life > [adverb] 1495 (de Worde) ii. xviii. sig. ciiiv/1 Though an angell take a body for euery nedefull doyng he may take it Not lyfly, neyther gyuyth therto lyfe. 1590 E. Spenser iii. i. sig. Cc2v A dainty flowre..Which in that cloth was wrought, as if it liuely grew. 1603 J. Davies 236 But in our presence livelie did appeare A Ladie of a most maiesticke state. society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [adverb] > in lively manner 1714 W. Vaughan 16 The Boat not rising so lively as she should. 1785 W. Tracey 41 The Royal George was then very visibly on float, and lively in the Bed she lay. 1793 J. Smeaton (ed. 2) §171 Remarkably full in their bows; which..enabled them to float much more lively upon the surface. 1854 L. Gibbon II. xi. 277 The boat was too small when we were all on board to float lively. Phrases1859 Dec. 665/2 Some of the despicable officers pricked those feeble creatures with their swords to make them look sharp and step lively. 1860 D. P. Thompson vii. 138 Step lively, every soul of ye, or I'll have a platoon of troopers at your heels! 1891 Nov. 147/2 There was the usual rush; the guard's admonition to ‘step lively’. 1921 C. E. Mulford xvi. 217 Some folks'll be steppin' lively to get out of th' way. 1963 N. Bawden x. 152 ‘Come on you’, he said to Victoria, and gave John a rough little push. ‘And step lively.’ 1995 T. Pratchett 275 Come on, come on, haven't got all day! Step lively, man! Compounds1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger I. i. i. sig. A.jv/1 Gods wil, first of al vttered in a liuely expressed voyce by ye mouth of Christ. 1607 E. Topsell 141 Giuing as ready obedience..as they can to any liuely speaking Prince of the world. 1612 M. Drayton v. 78 The liuelie skipping Brane, along with Gwethrick goes. 1618 W. Lawson xi. 33 You shall haue for one liuely thriuing tree, 4...euill thriuing, rotten and dying trees. 1622 M. Drayton xxii. 48 The liuely daring French. 1744 J. Thomson Summer in (new ed.) 92 The lively-shining Leopard, speckled o'er With many a Spot. 1864 10 Sept. 9/5 He understood a crucifix to be a representation of our blessed Saviour—a lively expressed image, graven in stone. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). <  adj.n.OE adv.OE |
