alive

Etymology

From Middle English alive, alife, olive, olife, on live, on life, from Old English on līf (“alive”, literally “in life" or "in (the) body”), from on (“on, in”) + līf, dative singular of līf (“life”). In this sense, replaced Old English cwic (whence English quick). Equivalent to a- + life. Compare Dutch in leven (“alive”, literally “in life”), German am Leben (“alive”, literally “in life”).

adj

1. Having life; living; not dead.
   As long as the plant is alive, he will continue to water it.
2. In a state of action; in force or operation; existent.
   to keep the fire alive
   to keep the affections alive
3. Busy with activity of many living beings; swarming; thronged; busy.
   Although quite dull during the day, the main street comes alive at night, with many bars and clubs opening.
   The Boyne, for a quarter of a mile, was alive with muskets and green boughs. 1848, Thomas Babington Macaulay, The History of England from the Accession of James the Second
4. (of electrical wiring) Carrying electrical current; energized.
   DANGER: OVERHEAD CATENARY - WIRE IS ALIVE
5. Aware (used with "to").
   We are alive to the ongoing potential for terrorist attacks.
6. Sprightly; lively; brisk.
   Liverpool’s equaliser came within four minutes. James Milner swung the ball over from a corner on the right and Sadio Mané, Liverpool’s most dangerous player, was alive in the six-yard area. 26 May 2018, Daniel Taylor, “Liverpool go through after Mohamed Salah stops Manchester City fightback”, in The Guardian (London)
7. Susceptible, sensitive; easy to impress; having keen feelings, as opposed to apathy.
   Though tremblingly alive to Nature's laws, Yet ever firm to Honour's sacred cause 1762, William Falconer, The Shipwreck
8. (intensifier) Out of all living creatures.
   The Whitest Boy Alive
   The Earl of Northumberland 'was the proudest man alive' and 'was in all his deportment a very great man. 1702, Edward Hyde Clarendon, The History of the Rebellion
   I'm the toughest girl alive / I walked through the fire and I survived. 2000, Candye Kane (lyrics and music), “The Toughest Girl Alive”
9. (programming) Synonym of live