alive
adjective
UK/əˈlaɪv/US/əˈlaɪv/
full of life and energy; lively
Example Sentences
The party was truly alive with music, dancing, and laughter filling the air.
Her personality is so alive that she can brighten up any room she enters.
The marketplace is always alive with vendors, customers, and vibrant colors.
During the festival, the streets are alive with performances, food stalls, and decorations.
The garden is alive with the sounds of birds singing and insects buzzing around the flowers.
His artwork brings the canvas alive, capturing movement and emotion in every stroke.
The city comes alive at night, with lights twinkling and people enjoying the nightlife.
Their relationship is alive with passion and mutual respect, making it strong and enduring.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Existing or living, not dead or inactive.Use “alive” to emphasize that someone or something is living, active, or full of energy. In its most literal sense, “alive” means not dead—for example, “He’s still alive after the accident,” confirms that a person survived. You can also describe plants or animals: “The plants look so alive after the rain.” Beyond biology, “alive” can highlight vibrancy or excitement in a situation: “That city’s nightlife is so alive.” In a metaphorical sense, it applies to abstract things like ideas or traditions—“The spirit of the festival is alive each summer.” When you say something is “alive with possibility,” you underscore potential and energy. If you’re discussing personal feelings, “I feel alive” often conveys a sense of exhilaration or renewed spirit. Whether referring to literal survival, robust energy, or a dynamic atmosphere, “alive” signals ongoing, vibrant existence.
Alternatives
Consider synonyms like “living,” “lively,” “animate,” or “vibrant.” “Living” is the most direct substitute when distinguishing something that’s biologically not dead. “Lively” emphasizes energy or spiritedness, suitable for describing social events or personalities. “Animate” conveys motion or the quality of being alive, often used in contrast with “inanimate” objects. “Vibrant” stresses dynamism and vividness, capturing the idea of something teeming with life. Terms such as “awake” or “energetic” can also fit casual contexts, though they focus on alertness or high stamina rather than mere existence. Each of these words nuances the core idea of life and vigor, letting you refine whether you emphasize pure biological status, high energy, or a radiant atmosphere. Choose a synonym based on whether you’re distinguishing between living and nonliving, describing excitement, or highlighting continuous activity and growth.
Writing
When writing about “alive,” specify the context so readers grasp the exact dimension of life or energy you mean. In a narrative, you might show a character’s relief at discovering a friend is still alive—“Her heart leapt when she realized he was alive.” If describing a setting, paint a vivid picture: “The market was alive with chatter, bright colors, and fragrant spices.” Academic or scientific texts may use “alive” more formally, stating biological facts about organisms or referencing the status of viruses, though in strict science writing, the term might be replaced with “viable” or “living” for precision. In personal or creative essays, “feeling alive” can illustrate emotional renewal or self-discovery: “Traveling alone made me feel more alive than ever.” By pairing “alive” with concrete details—expressions, sensory cues, or scientific data—you amplify its impact and clarify whether you’re talking about literal life, emotional vitality, or a general sense of flourishing.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “alive” often shows enthusiasm, relief, or excitement. You might joke, “I’m so tired—I don’t even feel alive until I’ve had my morning coffee!” to underscore how you only truly wake up once you’re caffeinated. Friends discussing a near-miss might say, “I can’t believe we made it out of there alive!” in a playful or semi-serious way. If chatting about daily events, “I feel really alive today” expresses a personal boost of energy or cheerfulness. People often use it figuratively, too—“The crowd came alive when the band started playing”—conveying how the atmosphere shifted from calm to energized. In most laid-back contexts, “alive” just signals someone or something is animated, spirited, or simply surviving a challenge. It’s a versatile term that can bounce between literal and metaphorical in everyday talk, from celebrating that your phone is still working (“my battery’s still alive!”) to describing a lively party (“This place really comes alive after 10 p.m.”).
Etymology
The word “alive” stems from the Old English phrase “on līfe,” which translates to “in life.” Over time, it evolved into the Middle English term “alive,” incorporating the concept of being in a living state or condition rather than dead. Linguistically, “līf” (life) and the prefix or prepositional element “on” (in) conveyed the notion of ongoing existence. As English developed, the form and spelling solidified around “alive,” maintaining the essence of ongoing vitality. Historically, “alive” featured in texts comparing or contrasting living creatures with inanimate or deceased entities, reinforcing the word’s central meaning: possessing life or vigor. Today, “alive” preserves both its literal sense—indicating that someone or something is not dead—and an expanded figurative sense, capturing heightened energy, enthusiasm, or activity in many areas of daily usage.
