What does "alive" mean?
Alive: In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existent; as, to keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive.
Additional senses
- 2.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.
- 3.Sprightly; lively; brisk. Richardson.
- 4.Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive. Tremblingly alive to nature's laws. Falconer.
- 5.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.
Sources
- Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).
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- Published: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00 · Modified: 2026-07-17T00:00:00-07:00