lively

UK: /ˈlaɪvli/ US: /ˈlaɪvli/ ,(līv′lē)

Inflections of 'lively' (adj):

livelier

adj comparative

liveliest

adj superlative

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

live•ly /ˈlaɪvli/   adj. and adv., -li•er, -li•est. 
adj. 

1. full or suggestive of life or vital energy:
   a lively discussion.
2. animated;
   spirited:
   a lively tune.
3. eventful or exciting:
   The opposition gave us a lively time.
4. keen;
   vivid:
   took a lively interest in us.
5. rebounding quickly:
   a lively tennis ball.

adv. 

6. with briskness:
   Please step lively.

live•li•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

live•ly  (līv′lē), adj., -li•er, -li•est, adv. 
adj. 

1. full or suggestive of life or vital energy;
   active, vigorous, or brisk:
   a lively discussion.
2. animated, spirited, vivacious, or sprightly:
   a lively tune; a lively wit.
3. eventful, stirring, or exciting:
   The opposition gave us a lively time.
4. bustling with activity;
   astir:
   The marketplace was lively with vendors.
5. strong, keen, or distinct;
   vivid:
   a lively recollection.
6. striking, telling, or effective, as an expression or instance.
7. vivid or bright, as color or light:
   a lively pink.
8. Wine sparkling, as wines.
9. fresh or invigorating, as air:
   a lively breeze.
10. rebounding quickly;
    springing back;
    resilient:
    a lively tennis ball.
11. Nautical, Naval Terms riding the sea buoyantly, as a ship.

adv. 

12. with briskness, vigor, or animation;
    briskly:
    to step lively.

• bef. 1000; Middle English; Old English līflīc vital. See life, -ly

live′li•ly, adv. 
live′li•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. alert, spry, nimble, agile, quick, pert.
• 2. gay, buoyant.
• 5. forceful, clear.
• 7. brilliant, clear, glowing.

Antonyms

• 1. inactive, torpid.
• 2. dull.
• 5. weak.
• 7. dim.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

lively / ˈlaɪvlɪ/ adjective ( -lier, -liest)

1. full of life or vigour
2. vivacious or animated, esp when in company
3. busy; eventful
4. characterized by mental or emotional intensity; vivid
5. having a striking effect on the mind or senses
6. refreshing: a lively breeze
7. springy or bouncy or encouraging springiness: a lively ball
8. (of a boat or ship) readily responsive to the helm

adverb
also: livelily

1. in a brisk manner: step lively

ˈliveliness noun