Live·ly a. [Compar. Livelier superl. Liveliest.]
1. Endowed with or manifesting life; living.
Chaplets of gold and silver resembling lively flowers and leaves. --Holland.
2. Brisk; vivacious; active; as, a lively youth.
But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste,
With youthful steps ? Much livelier than erewhile
He seems. --Milton.
3. Gay; airy; animated; spirited.
From grave to gay, from lively to severe. --Pope.
4. Representing life; lifelike. [Obs.]
I spied the lively picture of my father. --Massinger.
5. Bright; vivid; glowing; strong; vigorous.
The colors of the prism are manifestly more full, intense, and lively that those of natural bodies. --Sir I. Newton.
His faith must be not only living, but lively too. --South.
Lively stones Script., saints, as being quickened by the Spirit, and active in holiness.
Syn: -- Brisk; vigorous; quick; nimble; smart; active; alert; sprightly; animated; spirited; prompt; earnest; strong; energetic; vivid; vivacious; blithe; gleeful; airy; gay; jocund.
lively
adj 1: full of life and energy; "a lively discussion"; "lively and
attractive parents"; "a lively party" [ant: dull]
2: full of zest or vigor; "a racy literary style" [syn: racy]
3: quick and energetic; "a brisk walk in the park"; "a lively
gait"; "a merry chase"; "traveling at a rattling rate"; "a
snappy pace"; "a spanking breeze" [syn: brisk, merry,
rattling, snappy, spanking, zippy]
4: rebounds readily; "clean bouncy hair"; "a lively tennis
ball"; "as resiliant as seasoned hickory"; "springy turf"
[syn: bouncy, live, resilient, springy, whippy]
5: filled with events or activity; "a lively period in history"
6: full of spirit; "a dynamic full of life woman"; "a vital and
charismatic leader"; "this whole lively world" [syn: full
of life, vital]
7: characterized by energetic activity; "a lively baby"
[also: liveliest, livelier]