alive

adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old English on life, from on + līf life Date: before 12th century 1. having life ; not dead or inanimate 2. a. still in existence, force, or operation ; active <

kept hope alive

> b. still active in competition with a chance of victory <

must win to stay alive in the playoffs

> 3. knowing or realizing the existence of ; sensitive <

alive to the danger

> 4. marked by alertness, energy, or briskness <

his face came alive at the mention of food

> 5. marked by much life, animation, or activity ; swarming <

streets alive with traffic

> 6. — used as an intensive following the noun <

the proudest boy alive

> Synonyms: see aware • aliveness noun