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Lively

 - 3 dictionary results

live⋅ly

[lahyv-lee] adjective, -li⋅er, -li⋅est, adverb
–adjective
1. full or suggestive of life or vital energy; active, vigorous, or brisk: a lively discussion.
2. animated, spirited, vivacious, or sprightly: a lively tune; a lively wit.
3. eventful, stirring, or exciting: The opposition gave us a lively time.
4. bustling with activity; astir: The marketplace was lively with vendors.
5. strong, keen, or distinct; vivid: a lively recollection.
6. striking, telling, or effective, as an expression or instance.
7. vivid or bright, as color or light: a lively pink.
8. sparkling, as wines.
9. fresh or invigorating, as air: a lively breeze.
10. rebounding quickly; springing back; resilient: a lively tennis ball.
11. riding the sea buoyantly, as a ship.
–adverb
12. with briskness, vigor, or animation; briskly: to step lively.

Origin:
bef. 1000; ME; OE līflīc vital. See life, -ly


live⋅li⋅ly, adverb
live⋅li⋅ness, noun


1. alert, spry, nimble, agile, quick, pert. 2. gay, buoyant. 5. forceful, clear. 7. brilliant, clear, glowing.


1. inactive, torpid. 2. dull. 5. weak. 7. dim.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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live·ly   (līv'lē)   
adj.   live·li·er, live·li·est
  1. Full of life and energy; vigorous: a lively baby.

  2. Full of spirit; gay and animated: a lively tune.

  3. Marked by animated intelligence: a lively discussion.

  4. Invigorating; refreshing.

  5. Effervescent; sparkling.

  6. Keen; brisk: gave the kitchen floor a lively sweeping.

  7. Rebounding readily upon impact; resilient: a lively tennis ball. See Synonyms at active.

adv.  With energy or vigor; briskly: Step lively!

[Middle English lifli, from Old English līflīc, from līf, life; see leip- in Indo-European roots.]
live'li·ly adv., live'li·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

lively 
O.E. liflic "living, existing," lit. "life-like;" sense of "active, energetic" developed by 1225.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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