Live·ly a. [Compar. Livelier superl. Liveliest.]
 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.