Alive Definition & Meaning

alive
adjective
  1. possessing life; "the happiest person alive"; "the nerve is alive"; "doctors are working hard to keep him alive"; "burned alive"; "a live canary"
  2. (often followed by `with') full of life and spirit; "she was wonderfully alive for her age"; "a face alive with mischief"
  3. having life or vigor or spirit; "an animated and expressive face"; "animated conversation"; "became very animated when he heard the good news"
  4. (followed by `to' or `of') aware of; "is alive to the moods of others"
  5. in operation; "keep hope alive"; "the tradition was still alive"; "an active tradition"
  6. mentally perceptive and responsive;"an alert mind"; "alert to the problems"; "alive to what is going on"; "awake to the dangers of her situation"; "was now awake to the reality of his predicament"
  7. capable of erupting; "a live volcano"; "the volcano is very much alive"

Synonyms for alive

active adj

tending to become more severe or wider in scope

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
alert adj

engaged in or accustomed to close observation; "caught by a couple of alert cops

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animated adj

having life or vigor or spirit; "an animated and expressive face"; "animated conversation

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
awake adj

not in a state of sleep; completely conscious; "lay awake thinking about his new job

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
enlivened adj

made sprightly or cheerful made lively or spirited; "a meal enlivened by the music"; "a spirited debate"

♫ Rhymes
live adv

not recorded; "the opera was broadcast live" actually being performed at the time of hearing or viewing

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
lively adj

full of life and energy; "a lively discussion"; "lively and attractive parents"; "a lively party" full of zest or vigor

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revived adj

restored to consciousness or life or vigor; "felt revived hope" given fresh life or vigor or spirit

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spirited adj

displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness marked by lively action; "a bouncing gait"; "bouncy tunes

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vital adj

urgently needed; absolutely necessary; "a critical element of the plan"; "critical medical supplies

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"Alive" in song lyrics

See how alive is used in real songs:

  • "'cause you need a sexy body, make your partner come alive"
    2 Live Crew — Throw the 'D'
  • "To rock this party, so come alive!"
    2 Live Crew — Word II
  • "Doin' what's right to stay alive"
    2 Live Crew — Here I Come

Words that rhyme with alive

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Usage tips for "alive"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "alive" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for alive to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with alive ↔ Synonyms for alive 🔬 Words containing alive

Frequently asked questions

What does alive mean?
possessing life; "the happiest person alive"; "the nerve is alive"; "doctors are working hard to keep him alive"; "burned alive"; "a live canary" (often followed by `with') full of life and spirit; "she was wonderfully alive for her age"; "a face alive with mischief" having life or vigor or spirit; "an animated and expressive face"; "animated conversation"; "became very animated when he heard the good news" (followed by `to' or `of') aware of; "is alive to the moods of others" in operation
What part of speech is alive?
Alive is an adjective.
How many definitions does alive have?
Alive has 7 definitions across 1 part of speech (adjective).

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