alive 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.

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)

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.