Words / B1

LYVL-ee/ˈlaɪvli/

Lively means full of energy, activity, or strong discussion: a lively debate; a lively high street. Live is the related verb/adjective (already in the dictionary). Energetic is a close twin; rowdy is noisier and more negative. Unions: a lively debate in the meeting.

Meaning

Full of energy, activity, or strong discussion.

Examples

• “There was a lively debate in the union meeting.”
• “A lively high street is an Ofsted-style local-economy phrase, not a fight.”

Good to know

a lively debate / town / class. Close: energetic. More negative: rowdy. Mix-up: live / living. Meetings / regeneration news.

Near in meaning

energetic

New