Alive
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.
5. Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive. Tremblingly alive to natures laws. (Falconer)
6. Of all living (by way of emphasis). Northumberland was the proudest man alive. (Clarendon)
Used colloquially as an intensive; as, man alive!
alive always follows the noun which it qualifies.
Origin: oe. On live, as. On life in life; life being dat. Of lif life. See life, and cf. Live.
Dictionary > Alive
