Lively \Live"ly\, a. [Compar. Livelier; superl. Liveliest.]
[For lifely. Cf. Lifelike.]
1. Endowed with or manifesting life; living.
Chaplets of gold and silver resembling lively
flowers and leaves. --Holland.
2. Brisk; vivacious; active; as, a lively youth.
But wherefore comes old Manoa in such haste, With
youthful steps ? Much livelier than erewhile He
seems. --Milton.
3. Gay; airy; animated; spirited.
From grave to gay, from lively to severe. --Pope.
4. Representing life; lifelike. [Obs.]
I spied the lively picture of my father.
--Massinger.
5. Bright; vivid; glowing; strong; vigorous.
The colors of the prism are manifestly more full,
intense, and lively that those of natural bodies.
--Sir I.
Newton.
His faith must be not only living, but lively too.
--South.
Lively stones (Script.), saints, as being quickened by the
Spirit, and active in holiness.
Syn: Brisk; vigorous; quick; nimble; smart; active; alert;
sprightly; animated; spirited; prompt; earnest; strong;
energetic; vivid; vivacious; blithe; gleeful; airy; gay;
jocund.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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