English Explanatory Dictionary

enliven

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To give life or spirit to; to revive or animate.
  2. To make more lively, cheerful or interesting.

Pronunciation

/ɛnˈlaɪvən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-enliven.wav

Word forms

enliven enlivens enlivening enlivened

Etymology

From life + en- -en (intensifying verbal circumfix). See liven.

Synonyms

animate arouse awaken beghast leaven bright brighten cheer energize enliven enthuse exalt excite fire up ginger ginger up inflame invigorate inspire inspirit jazz kindle liven liven up perk up quicken spice spice up stimulate vitalise vivify cheer up

Antonyms

calm down relax hose down benumb de-energize deaden diminish muffle sedate smother stifle suppress

Derived words

enlivener enliveningly enlivenment unenlivened unenlivening
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