WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : A*live"
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [OE. on live, AS. on life in life; life being dat. of lif life. See Life, and cf. Live, a.]
Definition : 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. Richardson.

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.

Note: Used colloquially as an intensive; as, man alive!

Note: Alive always follows the noun which it qualifies.


Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913