DictionaryAI

alive

adjective
uh-LYV/əˈlaɪv/

7 meanings of alive

Practice

  1. 1
    livingadjectivenot before a noun
    Still living and not dead.

    Like a plant that is still green and growing, not dried up and gone.

    The fish was still alive when we threw it back into the lake.

    Doctors were amazed to find him alive after the crash.

    UsageUse it after a verb: the fish is alive. Before a noun, say a live fish or a living thing.

    Similarliving

    Oppositedead, deceased

  2. 2
    still existingadjectivenot before a noun
    Still going on, still working, or still being used.

    Hopes of a deal are still alive after the talks.

    Their dream of owning a farm is very much alive.

    UsageOften keep something alive, or still alive.

    Note
  3. 3
    full of energyadjectivenot before a noun
    Full of energy, lively, and active.

    After a good night's sleep, she felt completely alive.

    The dancers were alive with energy on the stage.

    UsageOften feel alive: full of energy.

    Similarlively, energetic, vibrant, animated

    Oppositelifeless, dull, listless

    Note
  4. 4
    full of movementadjectivenot before a noun
    Full of people or animals moving around.

    Like a beehive buzzing with bees coming and going.

    The market was alive with shoppers on Saturday morning.

    By noon the beach was alive with families and children.

    UsageA place is alive with people or animals. It can come alive.

    Similarteeming, bustling, buzzing

    Note
  5. 5
    adjectiveemphaticintensifiernot before a noun
    Of all living people, used to make a word like "best" or "happiest" stronger.

    She is the kindest woman alive.

    He thinks he's the luckiest man alive.

    UsagePut it after words like best and a noun: the luckiest man alive.

    Similarliving

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 6
    awareadjectivenot before a noun
    Knowing about something and ready to notice it, feel it or react to it.

    She was alive to the dangers of the long journey.

    Good teachers stay alive to the needs of their students.

    UsageUsually alive to something, like a danger.

    Note
  2. 7
    electric currentadjectivenot before a noun
    Connected to electricity, so it could give a shock.

    UsageAfter a verb: the wire is alive. Before a noun, say a live wire.

    Similarlive, energized, charged

    Oppositedead

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of alive apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Old English 'on līfe', meaning 'in life'. It comes from 'on' plus 'līf' (life).

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts