verb

liven

LEYE-vuhn

Liven (verb) means to make (or become) more lively, energetic, or interesting — usually followed by "up.". Example: “A bit of music will liven up the party.”

verb

To make (or become) more lively, energetic, or interesting — usually followed by "up."

"A bit of music will liven up the party."

"The mood livened as soon as the food arrived."

How to use liven

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo add energy or excitement to something dull.

Common pairings

liven up liven things up

Word forms

livened past tense, livens singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A bit of music will _____ up the party.

Etymology

From live/life + the suffix -en, "to make"; often felt as a shortened form of enliven.

Synonyms

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animate enliven liven up invigorate

Related words

living active alive breathing jazz strengthen ginger stimulate

Rhymes for liven

given driven

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Frequently asked questions

What does “liven” mean?

The word “liven” means to make (or become) more lively, energetic, or interesting — usually followed by "up.". In plain terms, to add energy or excitement to something dull.

How do you pronounce “liven”?

“Liven” is pronounced LEYE-vuhn (/ˈlaɪvən/ in IPA).

How do you use “liven” in a sentence?

Here is “liven” used in a sentence: “A bit of music will liven up the party.”

What part of speech is “liven”?

“Liven” is a verb.

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