| alive | 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; existent; as, to 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." (Macaulay) 4. Sprightly; lively; brisk. 5. Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive. "Tremblingly alive to nature's laws." (Falconer) 6. Of all living (by way of emphasis). "Northumberland was the proudest man alive." (Clarendon) Used colloquially as an intensive; as, man alive! Alive always follows the noun which it qualifies. Origin: OE. On live, AS. On life in life; life being dat. Of lif life. See Life, and cf. Live. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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