Vivacious

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /vaɪˈveɪʃəs/

Definitions

1. Full of lively energy and enthusiasm in a charming and attractive way
2. Characterized by a lively and spirited demeanor that is both charming and attractive
3. Having an animated and spirited personality that radiates charm and vitality

Etymology: "Vivacious" comes from Latin "vīvāx," meaning "lively" or "vigorous," and that Latin adjective is itself built on "vīvere," "to live." The ending "-acious" is a suffix meaning "full of" or "given to," so the word's core idea is simply being full of life, a sense that stays close to its roots. Latin "vīvāx" carried the same flavour of vigour and liveliness that English later adopted. The word arrived in English in the early seventeenth century, when writers borrowed it directly from Latin. Its earliest English uses kept the Latin emphasis on sheer vitality, so a vivacious person or animal was one bursting with energy. Over time the sense narrowed toward a bright, outgoing charm, which is how we most often hear it today.

Synonyms: lively, animated, spirited

Antonyms: dull, lifeless