English Explanatory Dictionary

liven

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cause to be more lively, or to become more lively.
verb
  1. plural simple present of live

Pronunciation

/ˈlaɪvən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-liven.wav /ˈlɪvən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-liven2.wav

Word forms

liven livens livening livened

Etymology

Partly from life + -en; partly from live (adjective) + -en; and partly a shortening of enliven. Cognate with Norwegian Nynorsk livna (“to quicken, come alive”), Faroese livna (“to come to life, come alive”), Icelandic lifna (“to come to life”).

Synonyms

liven up 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 perk up quicken spice spice up stimulate vitalise

Derived words

livener unlivened
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