1 B1 informal
To make a social event, atmosphere, or place more exciting and enjoyable.
"The DJ finally arrived and really livened up the party."
separable
liven up
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To become or to make someone or something more lively, exciting, or energetic.
In plain English
To make something (or a person) more fun and full of energy.
What does "liven up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To become more energetic, cheerful, or interesting (intransitive use).
"The discussion livened up once people started sharing personal stories."
3 B1 neutral
To add flavor, color, or interest to food, writing, or a visual design.
"She added a handful of fresh herbs to liven up the soup."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To put life into something — 'liven' is a causative form of 'live', and 'up' intensifies.
Actually means
To make something (or a person) more fun and full of energy.
Usage tip
Can be used both transitively ('liven the party up') and intransitively ('the party livened up'). Very common in British English for describing social events, presentations, or cooking. The transitive form often takes the preposition 'with'.
Words that pair with "liven up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
party presentation meeting dish atmosphere room
How to conjugate "liven up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
liven up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
livens up
he/she/it
Past simple
livened up
yesterday
Past participle
livened up
have + pp
-ing form
livening up
continuous
Hear "liven up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "liven up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "liven up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.