A-live', a.

adjective

[Prefix a and live. See LIVE.]

Sense 1. Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions. “He came alive to land.” Shak.

Sense 2. In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; as, to keep the process alive; to keep the affections alive.

Sense 3. Full of alacrity; cheerful; sprightly; lively. “The city was all alive.” Dickens.

Sense 4. Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy. “Tremblingly alive to nature’s laws.” Falconer.

Sense 5. Of all living, by way of emphasis; in all the world. “The earl of Northumberland was the proudest man alive.” Clarendon.

☞ This adjective always follows the noun which it qualifies.