alive

The word “alive” means living; not dead. In plain terms, not dead — or, more broadly, still active, energetic, or switched on to something.

“Alive” is pronounced uh-LYV (/əˈlaɪv/ in IPA).

Here is “alive” used in a sentence: “The doctors managed to keep him alive through the night.”

Words with a similar meaning to “alive” include extant, vital, peppy, zestful, above ground and alive and well.

The opposite of “alive” — its antonyms — is dead.

“Alive” is an adjective.

The word “alive” comes from Old English. From Old English on līfe, literally "in life" — the same phrase that gives us the shortened word "life" fused into one.

“Alive” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

The two overlap, but grammar sets them apart. Alive usually comes after a verb — the patient is alive, kept alive. Living can sit before a noun — a living creature, living things. Living can also describe something ongoing or in use, like a living language, where 'alive' would sound odd.

Yes. Beyond the literal sense, alive often means full of energy or feeling — a party comes alive, a face is alive with excitement, a street is alive with people. It can also mean still active or existing, as in keeping a tradition, hope, or memory alive.

The direct opposite is dead. Related antonyms include lifeless, deceased, and, for things never living, inanimate. In the figurative sense of lively or energetic, opposites such as dull, lifeless, or flat apply — a room that feels dead rather than alive.