lifely

comparative more lifely · superlative most lifely

1. Of, pertaining to, or endued with life; living; vital; essential.

   Every breathsome being is lifely, Every man is a breathsome being, Every man is lifely.

   1887, Leader Scott, The Life of William Barnes: Poet and Philologist

   4 more examples

   But since there is no other universal language of grammar, a middle course can be taken, and the English grammar may be taught according to a more lifely classification, and in a more lifely language; […]

   1836, Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, Method of Spiritual Culture

   We are, in comparison, much as mischievous adolescents in their self-conscious age of realization (in their fresh sequence of lifely development) for, too, our species has been shunted through the prevailing pessimism and accomplished the seemingly impossible metamorphosis of our progenitor's obsession: to produce a better specimen in the unfolding continuance of the species.

   2010, Guy Albert Sadler, Outline for A Viable Techno Sphere

   This is only a fashion and will change. Try to find out what colours make you look more lifely and more healthy.

   2012, Anna Sophia Karin Wettig, Facelifting Without Surgery

   “Apparently, when everyone reluctantly explained their various lifely circumstances, you made no comments whatsoever. Were you perhaps ashamed or disgusted by what you were told?” “Most certainly not!” indignantly assured Madavena. “Instead, I was overcome with surprised admiration! I suddenly realised that my seemingly ordinary family had experienced every lifely situation imaginable!

   2013, Davina Worton, Someday

comparative more lifely · superlative most lifely

1. archaicIn a lifelike manner.

   Unslain fro thee, which ay us lifely herteth, With books of his ornat enditing That is to all this land enlumining.

   1826, George Lewis Smyth, The monuments and genii of st. Paul's cathedral and of Westminster abbey