alive
Short definition: The word alive means living and breathing, not dead, and it can also describe someone who feels awake, active, or full of energy, awareness, or emotion in a particular moment.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word alive? This word is very common in daily English, but it carries emotional, literal, and even figurative meanings. Alive can describe a living person or animal, a feeling of energy, or something that still exists and matters. You will hear it in serious conversations about life and death, but also in casual talk about emotions, places, and ideas. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with long definitions and realistic examples.
Forms: alive (adjective only)
Related: live v., life n., living adj.
Syllable: a-live
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(Adjective) Living, breathing, and not dead, continuing to exist physically.
Alive means that a person, animal, or organism is still living and has not died. It is often used in serious or emotional situations, such as accidents, illness, or survival stories. This sense focuses on the basic fact of life itself. People may use the word with relief, gratitude, or urgency.
Doctors confirmed that the child was still alive after the accident.He was grateful to be alive after surviving the storm at sea.They searched the ruins hoping to find someone alive beneath the debris.Synonyms: living, breathing, conscious, surviving, existing, still living, active, not dead, in one piece, awake, present, functioning
Antonyms: dead, lifeless, deceased, gone, expired, nonliving, motionless, unresponsive, passed away, fallen, perished, inert -
(Adjective) Full of energy, excitement, or strong feeling, not dull or empty.
Alive can describe how someone feels emotionally or mentally. When a person feels alive, they feel energized, engaged, and connected to what they are doing. This meaning is common when talking about passion, creativity, or personal freedom. It often contrasts with feeling bored, numb, or exhausted.
Traveling alone made her feel truly alive for the first time in years.Music makes him feel alive even after a long, difficult day.He finally felt alive again after leaving a job he hated.Synonyms: energized, excited, passionate, vibrant, alert, enthusiastic, animated, inspired, engaged, awake inside, lively, motivated
Antonyms: bored, numb, drained, empty, exhausted, lifeless, dull, indifferent, unmotivated, detached, tired, depressed -
(Adjective) Active, functioning, or still in use, not shut down or finished.
In everyday and technical contexts, alive can mean something is still active or operating. A project, discussion, system, or idea can be alive if it is ongoing and relevant. This sense focuses on continuation rather than physical life. It is commonly used in work, technology, and planning conversations.
The debate is still alive within the organization.That old tradition is very much alive in this community.The project remains alive despite several delays.Synonyms: active, ongoing, continuing, current, functioning, operating, in progress, relevant, open, maintained, running, sustained
Antonyms: dead, inactive, closed, ended, finished, abandoned, stopped, obsolete, discontinued, shut down, canceled, defunct -
(Adjective) Full of movement, activity, or noticeable presence.
Alive can also describe places, scenes, or environments that feel busy and active. A street, city, or event can be called alive when there is movement, sound, and interaction. This meaning is often positive and suggests energy and vibrancy. It is common in descriptive writing and casual conversation.
The city feels alive at night with lights, music, and people everywhere.The market was alive with voices, colors, and movement.The festival made the quiet town feel alive again.Synonyms: lively, busy, vibrant, energetic, animated, active, buzzing, dynamic, happening, full of life, crowded, colorful
Antonyms: quiet, empty, lifeless, still, deserted, dull, inactive, silent, calm, abandoned, motionless, flat
