Word forms: comparative livelier, superlative liveliest
1. adjective
You can describe someone as lively when they behave in an enthusiastic and cheerful way.
She had a sweet, lively personality.
Josephine was bright, lively and cheerful.
Synonyms: animated, spirited, quick, keen More Synonyms of lively
livelinessuncountable noun
Amy could sense his liveliness even from where she stood.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
A lively event or a lively discussion, for example, has lots of interesting and exciting things happening or being said in it.
It turned out to be a very interesting session with a lively debate.
Their 4–1 win in Honduras was a particularly lively affair.
livelinessuncountable noun
Some may enjoy the liveliness of such a restaurant for a few hours a day or week.
Synonyms: energy, activity, spirit, vitality More Synonyms of lively
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Someone who has a lively mind is intelligent and interested in a lot of different things.
She was a very well educated girl with a lively mind, a girl with ambition.
...her very lively imagination.
4. graded adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
A lively feeling or awareness is a strong or enthusiastic one.
The papers also show a lively interest in European developments.
Synonyms: enthusiastic, strong, keen, stimulating More Synonyms of lively
More Synonyms of lively
lively in British English
(ˈlaɪvlɪ)
adjectiveWord forms: -lier or -liest
1.
full of life or vigour
2.
vivacious or animated, esp when in company
3.
busy; eventful
4.
characterized by mental or emotional intensity; vivid
5.
having a striking effect on the mind or senses
6.
refreshing
a lively breeze
7.
springy or bouncy or encouraging springiness
a lively ball
8.
(of a boat or ship) readily responsive to the helm
adverb also: livelily
9.
in a brisk manner
step lively
10. look lively
Derived forms
liveliness (ˈliveliness)
noun
lively in American English
(ˈlaɪvli)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈlivelier or ˈliveliest
1.
full of life; active; vigorous
2.
full of spirit; exciting; animated
a lively debate
3.
showing or inspiring liveliness; cheerful
4.
moving quickly and lightly, as a dance
5.
brisk
a lively breeze
6.
vivid; keen; intense
lively colors
7. US
bounding back with, or having, great resilience
a lively ball
adverbWord forms: ˈlivelier or ˈliveliest
8.
in a lively manner
SYNONYMY NOTE: lively implies a being full of life and energy and suggests an active or vigorous qualityin something [a lively dance, talk, etc.]; animated is applied to that which is made alive or bright and suggests a spirited quality[an animated face, discussion, etc.]; vivacious and, more emphatically, , sprightly suggest buoyancy of spirit or sparkling brightness [a vivacious manner, a sprightly tune]; gay suggests lightheartedness and unrestrained good spirits [a gay life]
OPPOSITE: dull
Derived forms
liveliness (ˈliveliness)
noun
Word origin
ME liflich < OE liflic: see life & -ly1
Examples of 'lively' in a sentence
lively
Now he's back and looking very lively.
The Sun (2016)
Once synonymous with the evils of apartheid, the sprawling suburb has flourished in recent years, with a lively restaurant and bar scene.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
My right hand gets a little lively.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She was very lively and full of joy and life.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The town has a lively bar and restaurant scene.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Their great height and liking for beer and lively conversation also seem to have helped.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Maintaining such a narrow focus did not make for the liveliest of concert experiences.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The eclectic feel suggests a lively mind whose music rarely stands still.
The Sun (2007)
Must step lively in the run to the opening bend.
The Sun (2011)
Your lively imagination will suggest other ridiculous scenarios that may work better for you.
Hopkins, Tom The Guide to Greatness in Sales (1994)
He needed a goal but he was bright and lively throughout.
The Sun (2012)
The shops are often funky and modern and there are lively bars and restaurants.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The lively forums also mean you can talk directly to other runners and specialists in the field.
The Sun (2011)
Live radio demands a lively mind and an organised approach.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Krakow also has a lively nightlife centred on its array of gothic cellar bars.
The Sun (2015)
Brisbane is a bubbly town with a lot of lively little bars and restaurants down by the river.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Everything in Nature seemed lively and full of risen sap and reproductive purpose.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is always a lively bar crowd in Bermuda.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
ITV have looked lively behind the scenes.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
His hair is somewhat more grey, but his step is as lively and his manner as vivacious as before.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There are a couple of boyfriends in tow too, so my small flat is suddenly full of lively chatter.
The Sun (2014)
I have grandsons aged six and four who are bright and lively but as yet have had little contact with modern technology.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I'd like a few things to look lively.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
In other languages
lively
British English: lively /ˈlaɪvlɪ/ ADJECTIVE
You can describe someone as lively when they behave in an enthusiastic and cheerful way.
She has a lively personality.
American English: lively
Arabic: نَشيِطٌ
Brazilian Portuguese: animado
Chinese: 活泼的
Croatian: živahan
Czech: energický
Danish: livlig
Dutch: levendig
European Spanish: animado
Finnish: eloisa
French: animé
German: lebhaft
Greek: ζωηρός
Italian: animato
Japanese: 元気のよい
Korean: 활기찬
Norwegian: livlig
Polish: pełen życia
European Portuguese: animado
Romanian: vesel
Russian: деятельный
Latin American Spanish: animado
Swedish: livlig
Thai: มีชีวิตชีวา
Turkish: canlı hareketli
Ukrainian: жвавий
Vietnamese: sống động
Chinese translation of 'lively'
lively
(ˈlaɪvlɪ)
adj
[person]活泼(潑)的 (huópo de)
[place, event, discussion]活跃(躍)的 (huóyuè de)
to take a lively interest in sth (= enthusiastic) 对(對)某物有浓(濃)厚的兴(興)趣 (duì mǒuwù yǒu nónghòu de xìngqù)
1 (adjective)
Definition
vivacious or animated
She had a sweet, lively personality.
Synonyms
animated
Everyone became more animated.
spirited
He wanted merely to provoke a spirited debate.
quick
keen
active
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health
alert
His grandfather is still alert at 93.
dynamic
He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader.
sparkling
vigorous
cheerful
They are both very cheerful in spite of their circumstances.
energetic
Two-year-olds can be incredibly energetic.
outgoing
merry
He was much loved for his merry nature.
upbeat (informal)
brisk
The horse broke into a brisk trot.
bubbly
someone bubbly who likes to laugh
nimble
Lily, who was light and nimble on her feet, was learning to tap-dance.
agile
He is not as strong and agile as he was at 20.
perky
Graham was looking as perky as ever.
chirpy (informal)
You're very chirpy today - have you won the lottery or something?
sparky
sprightly
the sprightly 85-year-old president
vivacious
a beautiful, vivacious and charming young woman
frisky
His horse was feeling frisky.
gay (old-fashioned)
I am in good health, gay and cheerful.
alive and kicking
spry
a spry old lady
chipper (informal)
blithe
His spirit was anything but blithe below the surface.
full of beans (informal)
frolicsome
full of pep (informal)
blithesome
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Opposites
slow
,
dull
,
lifeless
,
inactive
,
apathetic
,
listless
,
torpid
2 (adjective)
Definition
vivacious or animated
lively streets full of bars and cafés
Synonyms
busy
The ward was busy and Amy hardly had time to talk.
crowded
The street was crowded and noisy.
stirring
a stirring account of the final months of the old regime
buzzing
bustling
The sidewalks are bustling with people.
moving
It was a moving moment for them.
eventful
Our next journey was longer and much more eventful.
Opposites
slow
,
dull
3 (adjective)
Definition
vivid
toys made with bright and lively colours
Synonyms
vivid
a vivid blue sky
strong
strong colours
striking
She was a striking woman with long blonde hair.
bright
I was convinced that he was brighter than average.
exciting
the most exciting adventure of their lives
stimulating
The atmosphere was always stimulating.
bold
bold, dramatic colours
colourful
an irreverent and colourful tale of Restoration England
refreshing
Herbs have been used for centuries to make refreshing drinks.
forceful
racy
very high-quality wines with quite a racy character
invigorating
the bright sun and invigorating northern air
Opposites
dull
4 (adjective)
The newspapers showed a lively interest in European developments.
Synonyms
enthusiastic
The band drew a huge and enthusiastic crowd.
strong
The Deputy Prime Minister is a strong supporter of the plan.
keen
a keen amateur photographer
stimulating
eager
He looked at the crowd of eager faces around him.
formidable
vigorous
The choir and orchestra gave a vigorous performance of Haydn's oratorio.
animated
weighty
Additional synonyms
in the sense of active
Definition
busy and energetic
the tragedy of an active mind trapped by failing physical health
Synonyms
energetic,
strong,
spirited,
quick,
vital,
alert,
dynamic,
lively,
vigorous,
potent,
animated,
vibrant,
forceful,
nimble,
diligent,
industrious,
sprightly,
vivacious,
on the go (informal),
alive and kicking,
spry,
full of beans (informal),
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of agile
Definition
quick in movement
He is not as strong and agile as he was at 20.
Synonyms
nimble,
active,
quick,
lively,
swift,
brisk,
supple,
sprightly,
lithe,
limber,
spry,
lissom(e)
in the sense of alert
His grandfather is still alert at 93.
Synonyms
quick-witted,
spirited,
quick,
bright,
sharp,
active,
lively,
brisk,
on the ball (informal),
nimble,
agile,
sprightly,
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
Synonyms of 'lively'
lively
Explore 'lively' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of blithe
Definition
very happy or cheerful
His spirit was anything but blithe below the surface.
Synonyms
happy,
sunny,
cheerful,
merry,
upbeat (informal),
buoyant,
airy,
cheery,
carefree,
breezy,
genial,
jaunty,
chirpy (informal),
untroubled,
happy-go-lucky,
gay,
debonair,
insouciant,
mirthful,
light-hearted,
gladsome (archaic)
in the sense of bold
Definition
standing out distinctly
bold, dramatic colours
Synonyms
bright,
conspicuous,
strong,
striking,
loud,
prominent,
lively,
pronounced,
colourful,
vivid,
flashy,
eye-catching,
salient,
showy
in the sense of bright
I was convinced that he was brighter than average.
Synonyms
intelligent,
smart,
clever,
knowing,
thinking,
quick,
aware,
sharp,
keen,
acute,
alert,
rational,
penetrating,
enlightened,
apt,
astute,
brainy (informal),
wide-awake,
clear-headed,
perspicacious (formal),
quick-witted
in the sense of brisk
Definition
lively and quick
The horse broke into a brisk trot.
Synonyms
quick,
lively,
energetic,
active,
vigorous,
animated,
bustling,
speedy,
nimble,
agile,
sprightly,
vivacious,
spry
in the sense of bubbly
Definition
lively
someone bubbly who likes to laugh
Synonyms
lively,
happy,
excited,
animated,
merry,
bouncy,
elated,
sparky,
alive and kicking,
full of beans (informal)
in the sense of bustling
The sidewalks are bustling with people.
Synonyms
busy,
full,
crowded,
rushing,
active,
stirring,
lively,
buzzing,
energetic,
humming,
swarming,
thronged,
hustling,
teeming,
astir
in the sense of cheerful
Definition
having a happy disposition
They are both very cheerful in spite of their circumstances.
Synonyms
happy,
bright,
contented,
glad,
optimistic,
bucked (informal),
enthusiastic,
sparkling,
gay (old-fashioned),
sunny,
perky,
jolly,
animated,
merry,
upbeat (informal),
buoyant,
hearty,
cheery,
joyful,
jovial,
genial,
jaunty,
chirpy (informal),
sprightly,
blithe,
light-hearted,
gladsome (archaic),
lightsome (archaic)
in the sense of chirpy
Definition
lively and cheerful
You're very chirpy today - have you won the lottery or something?
Synonyms
cheerful,
happy,
bright,
enthusiastic,
lively,
sparkling,
sunny,
jolly,
animated,
buoyant,
radiant,
jaunty,
sprightly,
in high spirits,
blithe,
full of beans (informal),
light-hearted
in the sense of colourful
Definition
vivid or distinctive in character
an irreverent and colourful tale of Restoration England
Synonyms
interesting,
rich,
unusual,
stimulating,
graphic,
lively,
distinctive,
vivid,
picturesque,
characterful
in the sense of crowded
The street was crowded and noisy.
Synonyms
packed,
full,
busy,
mobbed,
cramped,
swarming,
overflowing,
thronged,
teeming,
congested,
populous,
jam-packed,
crushed
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dynamic
Definition
relating to a force of society, history, or the mind that produces a change
He seemed a dynamic and energetic leader.
Synonyms
energetic,
spirited,
powerful,
active,
vital,
driving,
electric,
go-ahead,
lively,
magnetic,
vigorous,
animated,
high-powered,
forceful,
go-getting (informal),
tireless,
indefatigable,
high-octane (informal),
zippy (informal),
full of beans (informal)
in the sense of eager
Definition
very keen to have or do something
He looked at the crowd of eager faces around him.
Synonyms
keen,
interested,
earnest,
intense,
enthusiastic,
passionate,
ardent,
avid,
fervent,
zealous,
fervid,
keen as mustard,
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of energetic
Definition
having or showing energy and enthusiasm
Two-year-olds can be incredibly energetic.
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
active,
dynamic,
vigorous,
animated,
brisk,
tireless,
bouncy,
indefatigable,
alive and kicking,
zippy (informal),
full of beans (informal),
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of eventful
Definition
full of exciting or important incidents
Our next journey was longer and much more eventful.
Synonyms
exciting,
active,
busy,
dramatic,
remarkable,
historic,
full,
lively,
memorable,
notable,
momentous,
fateful,
noteworthy,
consequential
in the sense of exciting
Definition
causing excitement
the most exciting adventure of their lives
Synonyms
stimulating,
inspiring,
dramatic,
gripping,
stirring,
thrilling,
moving,
sensational,
rousing,
exhilarating,
electrifying,
intoxicating,
rip-roaring (informal)
in the sense of frisky
Definition
lively, high-spirited, or playful
His horse was feeling frisky.
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
romping,
playful,
bouncy,
high-spirited,
rollicking,
in high spirits,
full of beans (informal),
coltish,
kittenish,
frolicsome,
ludic (literary),
sportive,
full of joie de vivre
in the sense of frolicsome
Definition
merry and playful
Synonyms
playful,
gay,
lively,
merry,
sprightly,
wanton (archaic),
rollicking,
frisky,
full of beans (informal),
coltish,
kittenish,
ludic (literary),
sportive
in the sense of gay
Definition
carefree and merry
I am in good health, gay and cheerful.
Synonyms
cheerful,
happy,
bright,
glad,
lively,
sparkling,
sunny,
jolly,
animated,
merry,
upbeat (informal),
buoyant,
cheery,
joyous,
joyful,
carefree,
jaunty,
chirpy (informal),
vivacious,
jovial,
gleeful,
debonair,
blithe,
insouciant,
full of beans (informal),
light-hearted
in the sense of invigorating
the bright sun and invigorating northern air
Synonyms
refreshing,
stimulating,
bracing,
fresh,
tonic,
uplifting,
exhilarating,
rejuvenating,
energizing,
healthful,
restorative,
salubrious,
rejuvenative
in the sense of keen
Definition
fond of
a keen amateur photographer
Synonyms
eager,
earnest,
spirited,
devoted,
intense,
fierce,
enthusiastic,
passionate,
ardent,
avid,
fervent,
impassioned,
zealous,
ebullient,
wholehearted,
fervid,
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of merry
Definition
cheerful and jolly
He was much loved for his merry nature.
Synonyms
cheerful,
happy,
upbeat (informal),
carefree,
glad,
jolly,
festive,
joyous,
joyful,
genial,
fun-loving,
chirpy (informal),
vivacious,
rollicking (archaic),
convivial,
gleeful,
blithe (archaic),
frolicsome (archaic),
mirthful (archaic),
sportive (archaic),
light-hearted,
jocund (archaic),
gay (old-fashioned),
blithesome (archaic)
in the sense of moving
Definition
arousing or touching the emotions
It was a moving moment for them.
Synonyms
emotional,
touching,
affecting,
exciting,
inspiring,
stirring,
arousing,
poignant,
emotive,
impelling
in the sense of nimble
Definition
agile and quick in movement
Lily, who was light and nimble on her feet, was learning to tap-dance.
Synonyms
agile,
active,
lively,
deft,
proficient,
sprightly,
nippy (British, informal),
spry,
dexterous
in the sense of perky
Definition
confident or spirited
Graham was looking as perky as ever.
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
bright,
sunny,
cheerful,
animated,
upbeat (informal),
buoyant,
bubbly,
cheery,
bouncy,
genial,
jaunty,
chirpy (informal),
sprightly,
vivacious,
in fine fettle,
full of beans (informal),
gay (old-fashioned),
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (informal)
in the sense of racy
Definition
spirited or lively
very high-quality wines with quite a racy character
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
exciting,
dramatic,
entertaining,
stimulating,
sexy (informal),
sparkling,
vigorous,
energetic,
animated,
heady,
buoyant,
exhilarating,
zestful
in the sense of refreshing
Definition
having a reviving effect
Herbs have been used for centuries to make refreshing drinks.
Synonyms
stimulating,
fresh,
cooling,
bracing,
invigorating,
revivifying,
thirst-quenching,
inspiriting
in the sense of spirited
Definition
showing liveliness or courage
He wanted merely to provoke a spirited debate.
Synonyms
lively,
vigorous,
energetic,
animated,
game,
active,
bold,
sparkling,
have-a-go (informal),
courageous,
ardent,
feisty (informal),
plucky,
high-spirited,
sprightly,
vivacious,
spunky (informal),
mettlesome,
(as) game as Ned Kelly (Australian, slang)
in the sense of sprightly
Definition
lively and active
the sprightly 85-year-old president
Synonyms
lively,
spirited,
active,
energetic,
animated,
brisk,
nimble,
agile,
jaunty,
gay (old-fashioned),
perky,
vivacious,
spry,
bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
in the sense of spry
Definition
active and lively
a spry old lady
Synonyms
active,
sprightly,
lively,
quick,
brisk,
supple,
nimble,
agile,
nippy (British, informal)
in the sense of stimulating
Definition
inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm
The atmosphere was always stimulating.
Synonyms
exciting,
inspiring,
stirring,
provoking,
intriguing,
rousing,
provocative,
exhilarating,
thought-provoking,
galvanic
Additional synonyms
in the sense of stirring
Definition
causing emotion, excitement, and enthusiasm
a stirring account of the final months of the old regime
Synonyms
exciting,
dramatic,
thrilling,
moving,
spirited,
inspiring,
stimulating,
lively,
animating,
rousing,
heady,
exhilarating,
impassioned,
emotive,
intoxicating
in the sense of striking
Definition
attracting attention
She was a striking woman with long blonde hair.
Synonyms
impressive,
dramatic,
stunning (informal),
wonderful,
extraordinary,
outstanding,
astonishing,
memorable,
dazzling,
noticeable,
conspicuous,
drop-dead (slang),
out of the ordinary,
forcible,
jaw-dropping,
eye-popping (informal),
gee-whizz (slang)
in the sense of strong
Definition
(of a colour) very bright and intense
strong colours
Synonyms
bright,
brilliant,
dazzling,
loud,
bold,
stark,
glaring
in the sense of strong
Definition
committed or fervent
The Deputy Prime Minister is a strong supporter of the plan.
Synonyms
staunch,
firm,
earnest,
keen,
dedicated,
fierce,
ardent,
eager,
loyal,
enthusiastic,
passionate,
fervent,
steadfast
in the sense of vigorous
Definition
having physical or mental energy
The choir and orchestra gave a vigorous performance of Haydn's oratorio.