First Known Use: 1634
Dictionary
vivid
adjective viv·id \ˈvi-vəd\
of a picture, memory, etc. : seeming like real life because it is very clear, bright, or detailed
: very bright in color
Full Definition of VIVID
1
of a color : very strong : very high in chroma
2
: having the appearance of vigorous life or freshness : lively <a vivid sketch>
3
4
: acting clearly and vigorously <a vivid imagination>
— viv·id·ly adverb
— viv·id·ness noun
See vivid defined for English-language learners
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Origin of VIVID
Latin vividus, from vivere to live — more at quick
Related to VIVID
- Synonyms
- delineated, pictorial, picturesque, visual, graphic
Synonym Discussion of VIVID
graphic, vivid, picturesque mean giving a clear visual impression in words. graphic stresses the evoking of a clear lifelike picture <a graphic account of combat>. vivid suggests an impressing on the mind of the vigorous aliveness of something <a vivid re-creation of an exciting event>. picturesque suggests the presentation of a striking or effective picture composed of features notable for their distinctness and charm <a picturesque account of his travels>.
Rhymes with VIVID
VIVIDNESS Defined for Kids
vivid
adjective viv·id \ˈvi-vəd\
Definition of VIVID for Kids
1
: producing strong mental images <a vivid description>
2
: very strong or bright <vivid red>
3
: acting clearly and powerfully <a vivid imagination>
4
: seeming full of life and freshness <a vivid painting>
— viv·id·ly adverb <That scene of two years before flashed back into her recollection as vividly as if it had taken place yesterday. — Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables>
— viv·id·ness noun
Word Root of VIVID
The Latin word vivere, meaning “to live,” gives us the root viv. Words from the Latin vivere have something to do with living. To survive is to remain alive. To revive is to bring back to life. Someone vivacious is full of life and is lively and energetic. Something, such as a story, that is vivid appears to be full of life and freshness.
Headscratcher for VIVID
If you have studied Roman numerals, you might see something special about the word vivid. It is spelled with letters that are all Roman numerals. (V equals 5, I equals 1, and D equals 500.) Some other words spelled with letters that are Roman numerals are dill, mill, livid, civil, and civic.
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