Alive

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /əˈlaɪv/
• Rhymes: -aɪv

Origin

From Old English on live, on līfe ("in life"); līfe, dative of līf ("life")

Full definition of alive

Adjective

1. Having life, in opposition to dead; living; being in a state in which the organs perform their functions; as, an animal or a plant which is alive.
2. In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existentto keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive.
3. Exhibiting the activity and motion of many living beings; swarming; thronged.The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs. -- Thomas Babington Macaulay.
4. Sprightly; lively; brisk.
5. Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive.Tremblingly alive to nature's laws. -- William Falconer.
6. As intensifier, of all living.Northumberland was the proudest man alive. --Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon.

Usage notes

As intensifier, used colloquially "man alive!", "sakes alive!".

Alive always follows the noun which it qualifies.

Antonyms

• dead

Anagrams

• avile