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lively

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The definition of lively is moving quickly, full of life or full of spirit.

(adjective)

An example of lively used as an adjective is in the phrase, "a lively song," which means an upbeat song.

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See lively in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective livelier, liveliest

full of life; active; vigorous
full of spirit; exciting; animated: a lively debate
showing or inspiring liveliness; cheerful
moving quickly and lightly, as a dance
brisk: a lively breeze
vivid; keen; intense: lively colors
☆ bounding back with, or having, great resilience: a lively ball

Origin: ME liflich < OE liflic: see life & -ly

adverb livelier, liveliest

in a lively manner

Related Forms:

liveliness noun

See lively in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective live·li·er, live·li·est

Full of life and energy; vigorous: a lively baby.
Full of spirit; gay and animated: a lively tune.
Marked by animated intelligence: a lively discussion.
Invigorating; refreshing.
Effervescent; sparkling.
Keen; brisk: gave the kitchen floor a lively sweeping.
Rebounding readily upon impact; resilient: a lively tennis ball. See Synonyms at active.

adverb

With energy or vigor; briskly: Step lively!

Origin:

Origin: Middle English lifli

Origin: , from Old English līflīc

Origin: , from līf, life; see leip- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

liveˈli·ly adverb

liveˈli·ness noun

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