English · Word Candidate

lively

/ˈlaɪv.li/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: livelier · liveliest · livelies

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Full of life; energetic, vivacious.

Adjective

But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haſt, / With youthful ſteps? much livelier then e're while / He ſeems.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Bright, glowing, vivid; strong, vigorous.

Adjective

The colours of the prism are manifestly more full, intense, and lively that those of natural bodies.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Term of address.

NounRegister: informal

Speak the word, my livelies, and I'll pilot her in.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

Vigorously.

Adverb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “lively” mean?

Full of life; energetic, vivacious.

Is “lively” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.