enliven

[ en-lahy-vuhn ]
See synonyms for: enlivenenlivenedenliveningenlivenment on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to make vigorous or active; invigorate: The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.

  2. to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten: Flowers enliven any room.

Origin of enliven

1
1625–35; obsolete enlive to give life to (en-1 + life) + -en1

synonym study For enliven

2. See cheer.

Other words for enliven

Opposites for enliven

Other words from enliven

  • en·liv·en·er, noun
  • en·liv·en·ing·ly, adverb
  • en·liv·en·ment, noun
  • un·en·liv·ened, adjective
  • un·en·liv·en·ing, adjective

Words Nearby enliven

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use enliven in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for enliven

enliven

/ (ɪnˈlaɪvən) /


verb(tr)
  1. to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate

  2. to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten

Derived forms of enliven

  • enlivener, noun
  • enlivening, adjective
  • enlivenment, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012