enlivening
|en-liv-en-ing|
/ɪnˈlaɪvən/
(enliven)
make lively
Etymology
'enliven' originates from the prefix 'en-' (from Old French 'en-' meaning 'in' or 'make') combined with the verb 'live' (Old English 'libban' / 'l2ffan' meaning 'to live, be alive').
'enliven' appeared in Middle English/early Modern English as forms like 'enliven' or 'enlivenen' and developed into the modern English verb 'enliven'; 'enlivening' is the present participle/gerund form derived from that verb.
Initially it meant 'to make alive' or 'to give life'; over time this broadened to the current sense 'to make more lively, interesting, or spirited'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making something more lively or spirited (gerund/noun use).
The enlivening of the discussion made the meeting productive.
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Verb 1
to make (someone or something) more lively, interesting, or spirited; to invigorate (transitive).
The lively decor and aroma were enlivening the café.
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Adjective 1
making something more lively or interesting; stimulating or refreshing.
The enlivening music lifted everyone's spirits.
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Last updated: 2025/09/14 20:25