Enliven

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /É›nˈlaɪvə̆n/Rhymes:

Origin

Life + en- -en, intensifying verbal circumfix.

The Oxford English Dictionary (2007) states that enliven was formed by the simultaneous prefixing of en- and suffixing of -en, which, by definition, constitutes circumfixation.

Full definition of enliven

Verb

1. (obsolete, transitive) To give life or spirit to; to revive or animate.
2. (transitive) To make more lively, cheerful or interesting.The game was much enlivened when both teams scored within five minutes of each other.

Synonyms

• liven
• liven up

Derived terms

• enlivener
• enlivenment