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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Lively

Līve'ly, a.

adjective

a. [compar. LIVELIER; superl. LIVELIEST.]

  1. Endowed with or manifesting life; living. “Begotten . . . unto a lively hope.” 1 Pet. i. 3. “Chaplets of gold and silver resembling lively flowers and leaves.” Holland.
  2. Brisk; vigorous; vivacious; active; as, a lively youth.
  3. Gay; airy; animated; spirited. “From grave to gay, from lively to severe.” Pope.
  4. Representing life; life-like; as, a lively imitation of nature.

I spied the lively picture of my father. Massinger. 5. Strong; bright; vivid; glowing;—said of colors and tints. 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; strong; energetic; vivid; vivacious; blithe; gleeful; airy; gay; jocund.

Līve'ly, adv.

adverb

adv. 1. In a brisk manner; briskly; vigorously. [Rare.] They brought their men to the slough, who, discharging lively, almost close to the face of the enemy, did much amaze them. Hayward. 2. With strong resemblance of life. Nor are the fathers more faithfully cited in his books than lively copied out in his countenance and carriage. Fuller.