Lively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lively

[ˈlaɪvli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

music

Full of life and energy; active and outgoing.

Synonyms

animated, energetic, spirited, vibrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lively	Used to describe a person, place, or event that is full of life and energy. The square is lively during the summer when people gather to enjoy outdoor concerts. She has such a lively personality that everyone enjoys her company.
energetic	Used to describe someone who is always active and full of energy. The energetic puppy ran around the yard without getting tired. She is an energetic dancer, always moving with a lot of enthusiasm.
vibrant	Often used to describe something that is full of color, life, and energy. The city's vibrant nightlife attracts tourists from all over the world. Her vibrant dress caught everyone's attention at the party.
animated	Often describes a person who is very expressive and full of emotion, especially while talking or acting. He became very animated when he was telling the story, using a lot of gestures and different voices. The animated discussion about politics went on for hours.
spirited	Describes someone who shows determination, courage, or cheerfulness; often implies strength of character. The spirited debate between the candidates lasted for over two hours. She gave a spirited performance, captivating the audience with her passion.

Examples of usage

She danced to the lively beat of the music.
The lively melody filled the room with joy.
The band played a lively tune that got everyone on their feet.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

conversation

Full of enthusiasm and excitement; animated.

Synonyms

dynamic, enthusiastic, exciting, vivid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lively	When describing a person or place full of energy and activity. The lively crowd danced all night at the concert. She has a lively personality that makes her fun to be around.
exciting	When describing something that causes a lot of enthusiasm and interest. The new roller coaster is incredibly exciting! She told him all about her exciting adventure in the mountains.
enthusiastic	When describing a person who shows a lot of interest and excitement about something. He is very enthusiastic about his new project. The students were enthusiastic participants in the science fair.
dynamic	When referring to someone or something that is constantly changing or has a lot of energy and new ideas. The company is looking for a dynamic leader to drive innovation. The dynamic nature of the market requires businesses to adapt quickly.
vivid	When describing something that is very clear, detailed, or powerful, especially related to colors, memories, or descriptions. She has vivid memories of her childhood. The artist used vivid colors in his painting.

Examples of usage

They had a lively discussion about the latest news.
Her lively personality made her the center of attention at the party.

^{Context #3 | Adverb}

movement

In a way that shows a lot of energy and enthusiasm.

Synonyms

briskly, energetically, enthusiastically, vigorously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lively	Used to describe someone or something that is full of life and energy, often in a social or dynamic setting. The party was very lively, with everyone dancing and laughing She gave a lively performance that captivated the audience
energetically	Used to describe someone doing something with a lot of energy and enthusiasm, often involving physical activity. She danced energetically, impressing everyone with her moves The kids played energetically in the park, not showing any signs of slowing down
vigorously	Used to describe someone doing something with great force or intensity, often involving physical strength or effort. She scrubbed the floor vigorously, determined to get it clean He shook hands vigorously, showing his confidence and determination
briskly	Used to describe an action done quickly and energetically, often implying a sense of efficiency or urgency. He walked briskly to the bus stop, hoping not to be late The waitress moved briskly between tables, serving customers with a smile
enthusiastically	Used to describe someone showing a lot of excitement and interest in something, often verbally or through actions. He spoke enthusiastically about his new project at work The students participated enthusiastically in the class discussion

Examples of usage

She moved lively across the dance floor.
The children played lively in the park.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, a lively atmosphere is essential for celebrations, such as festivals and community events.
Colorful traditions often incorporate lively music and dancing, showcasing the joyous aspect of gatherings.
Artists often depict lively scenes in their work, highlighting the vibrancy of life and human expression.

Psychology

People often feel more energetic and happier in lively environments, which can enhance mood and social interaction.
Lively interactions can foster creativity and open-mindedness, encouraging innovative thinking.
Research shows that exposure to lively music can boost motivation and increase physical activity.

Literature

Lively characters in stories often drive plots forward, bringing excitement and engagement to narratives.
Authors use lively descriptions to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery in the reader's mind.
Classic literature often highlights themes of lively personalities to contrast with more serious or somber characters.

Pop Culture

Lively music genres, such as pop and dance, dominate charts for their ability to uplift and energize listeners.
Popular TV shows often include lively settings and characters to attract viewers and keep their interest.
Lively social media content, like dance challenges or comedic sketches, fosters widespread engagement and sharing.

Origin of 'lively'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'lif', meaning 'life', showing its connection to being full of life.
The suffix '-ly' is added to many words to turn them into adjectives, often describing how something is done.
Related words include 'alive' and 'liveliness', which also carry the idea of vitality and energy.

The word 'lively' originated from the Middle English word 'lively' which meant 'full of life, animated, spirited'. It has been used in English language since the 14th century. The word has evolved over time to represent energy, enthusiasm, and liveliness in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,010 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6007 frightened
6008 generalized
6009 satisfactorily
6010 lively
6011 strengthening
6012 instrumental
6013 declares
...