English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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adj

lively

LYV-lee
adj
1
Full of energy and enthusiasm; active and spirited.
"The children were lively after their nap."
"It was a lively discussion with plenty of disagreement."
2
Bright, vivid, or vigorous (of colours, imagination, or a scene).
"She gave a lively description of the festival."

How to Use Lively

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFull of energy, activity, or vividness.

Common pairings
lively debate lively atmosphere lively personality

Word Forms

livelier comparative, more lively comparative, livelies plural, liveliest superlative, most lively superlative

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Etymology

From Old English līflīċ, "living, vital," built from life + -ly.

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Rhymes for lively

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