lively
lively Lexical Profile
lively Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Full of life, energy, and enthusiasm; active and outgoing.
"The children were lively and eager to explore the science museum."
Characterized by brisk activity, excitement, or intellectually stimulating discussion (of a place, event, or debate).
"The seminar concluded with a lively debate on renewable energy policies."
Bright, vivid, or striking to the senses or imagination (of colors, flavors, or mental impressions).
"The artist used lively shades of yellow and turquoise to capture the coastal sunlight."
• adverb
In a brisk, energetic, or animated manner; quickly.
"The conductor urged the orchestra to step lively during the final rehearsal."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although ending in '-ly', 'lively' is primarily an adjective (as in 'a lively discussion'); in formal writing, adverbial expressions such as 'in a lively manner' or 'energetically' are generally preferred over using 'lively' as an adverb.
• Rhymes for lively
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'liflic', meaning 'living, vital, or animated', formed from 'lif' (life) and the adjectival suffix '-lic' (-ly).