rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryaliveLiving
adjective

alive

uh-LYVE/əˈlaɪv/

Living and capable of active response.

The rabbit is clearly alive, with ears raised and attention fixed ahead.

A small alert rabbit raises its ears beside a fresh green plant, visibly alive through natural posture and attention; no dead comparison or cartoon expression.
Etymology
aOld Englishin, on
+liveOld Englishlife

The pieces originally formed a phrase meaning “in life.” Being alive is thus expressed as being in the state of life, directly contrasting with being dead.

In context

Bisi19:55
Pam (who were still alive), and the bodies of Colonel Kur Mohammed
Nigeria's First Bloody Military Coup of 1966 Explained

More examples

  • The market comes alive with music after sunset.
  • She remains alive to the risks of the proposal.
  • The family keeps the old tradition alive.

Similar words

living
The direct contrast to dead, without all figurative uses.
lively
Emphasizes energy rather than the fact of being alive.