1 full of life; vigorous, energetic.
2 brisk (a lively pace).
3 vivid, stimulating (a lively discussion).
4 vivacious, jolly, sociable.
5 joc. exciting, dangerous, difficult (the press is making things lively for them).
6 (of a colour) bright and vivid.
7 lifelike, realistic (a lively description).
8 (of a boat etc.) rising lightly to the waves.
Derivatives:
livelily adv. liveliness n.
Etymology: OE liflic (as LIFE, -LY(1))
Useful english dictionary. 2012.