ˈæk.tɪv əˈlaɪv ˈæn.ɪ.meɪ.tɪd laɪv laɪv capable of erupting a live volcano the volcano is very much alive possessing life the happiest person alive the nerve is alive doctors are working hard to keep him alive burned alive a live canary having life or vigor or spirit an animated and expressive face animated conversation became very animated when he heard the good news mentally perceptive and responsive an alert mind alert to the problems alive to what is going on awake to the dangers of her situation was now awake to the reality of his predicament (often followed by ‘with’) full of life and spirit she was wonderfully alive for her age a face alive with mischief in operation keep hope alive the tradition was still alive an active tradition (followed by ‘to’ or ‘of’) aware of is alive to the moods of others