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View synonyms for enliven

enliven

[ en-lahy-vuhn ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make vigorous or active; invigorate:

    The wit of Mencken enlivened his age.

    Synonyms: quicken, stimulate, vivify, inspirit, animate

  2. to make sprightly or cheerful; brighten:

    Flowers enliven any room.

    Synonyms: gladden

    Antonyms: depress



enliven

/ ɪnˈlaɪvən /

verb

  1. to make active, vivacious, or spirited; invigorate
  2. to make cheerful or bright; gladden or brighten
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • enˈlivening, adjective
  • enˈlivener, noun
  • enˈlivenment, noun
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Other Words From

  • en·liven·er noun
  • en·liven·ing·ly adverb
  • en·liven·ment noun
  • unen·livened adjective
  • unen·liven·ing adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of enliven1

1625–35; obsolete enlive to give life to ( en- 1 + life ) + -en 1
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Synonym Study

See cheer.
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Example Sentences

But on a dreary Sunday afternoon last fall, bouquets of white roses and blue hydrangeas enlivened the Spanish marble columbarium where Drakeo the Ruler is interred.

Those films too were enlivened by music, in the idiosyncratic and remarkable scores by Mica Levi and Jonny Greenwood, respectively.

And for me, one of my secret weapons — just a dash of Hood cream is going to really enrich or enliven any dish that you're making.

From Salon

The new hall promises to further enliven Grand Avenue as an arts destination.

They are the weeds that sprout in sidewalk cracks, the elaborate graffiti that enlivens the drab wall of an abandoned building.

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