a. [ OE. on live, AS. on līfe in life; līfe being dat. of līf life. See Life, and cf. Live, a. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. In a state of action; in force or operation; unextinguished; unexpired; existent; as, to keep the fire alive; to keep the affections alive. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Exhibiting the activity and motion of many living beings; swarming; thronged. [ 1913 Webster ] The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Sprightly; lively; brisk. Richardson. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Having susceptibility; easily impressed; having lively feelings, as opposed to apathy; sensitive. [ 1913 Webster ] Tremblingly alive to nature's laws. Falconer. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. Of all living (by way of emphasis). [ 1913 Webster ] Northumberland was the proudest man alive. Clarendon. [ 1913 Webster ] Used colloquially as an intensive; as, man alive! [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Alive always follows the noun which it qualifies. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
