LI'VELY, adjective 1. Brisk; vigorous; vivacious; active; as a lively youth. 2. Gay; airy. From grave to gay, from lively to severe. 3. Representing life; as a lively imitation of nature. 4. Animated; spirited; as a lively strain of eloquence; a lively description. 5. Strong; energetic; as a lively faith or hope; a lively persuasion. Lively stones, in scripture. Saints are called lively stones, as being quickened by the Spirit and active in holiness. LI'VELY, adverb 1. Briskly; vigorously. [Little used.] 2. With strong resemblance of life. That part of poetry must needs be best, which describes most lively our actions and passions. [Little used.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI