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alive
/əˈlaɪv/
living and not dead
The doctor confirmed the patient was alive after the surgery.
The doctor verified that the patient was living and not dead after the surgery.
general
Having life; living and not dead
The rescue team found the hiker alive in the mountains.
The rescue team discovered the hiker was living and not dead in the mountains.
Often used to emphasize survival or the presence of life.
informal
Full of energy or activity; vibrant
The city is alive with music and festivals during the summer.
The city is vibrant and full of energy with music and festivals during the summer.
Used metaphorically to describe something that is lively or dynamic.
Collocations
bring someone back to lifeto revive someonekeep the memory aliveto maintain the memoryalive and kickinghealthy and active
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Literal vs. Metaphorical Use
Remember that 'alive' can be used both literally to describe living things and metaphorically to describe things that are lively or full of energy.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
'Alive' is an adjective and should be used to describe something that is living or full of energy. Avoid using it to describe inanimate objects unless you are using it metaphorically.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'alive', from Old English 'on life', from 'on' (on) + 'lif' (life).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally to describe living beings and metaphorically to describe things that are lively or full of energy.
Word Breakdown
a-
on, in
prefix-live
life
rootEnglish Dictionary